Guns n' roses - India style

Following the progress, or the lack thereof, in the trial of Kasab is an experience of its own. An exercise in probing the very depths of our patience. Introductions first. Kasab is the lone surviving Lashkar-e-Tayiba gunman captured from the November terror attacks in Mumbai, dubbed conveniently as "26/11", a la 9/11. There is videographic evidence available showing his involvement and he has been positively identified by eye witnesses. He is a part of a group that let loose terror on our soil, smoking out innocent human lives.

What have we done since 27/11? We have housed Kasab in a high security jail. He has been provided legal counsel and has promptly pleaded not guilty and a trial that adheres to and upholds the law of the land, trying to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is indeed guilty and, of course, holding him innocent until then, is well underway. His excellency has requested for Urdu newspapers, Urdu Times, to be specific, perfumes and toothpaste to be provided in jail. He has also requested to be allowed to go for walks within the jail complex without which, he claims, he might lose his mental balance. And, he has also directed the police to deposit into his jail account the amount seized from him when he was captured. Mood lighting and channel music are next on his list, perhaps. I'm sure the righteous, secular, bleeding hearts in New Delhi would have fallen over each other in rushing to ensure that all his requests are met and he has been made comfortable and cozy in his new nest. Over the progress of the trial, the emboldened Kasab laughs when his pictures are shown during the trial which has led to a reprimand from the judge. All this while Dr. P Chidambaram was busy answering a series of questions regarding the attacks posed by our friendly neighbor to the west. He has responded to all questions, complete with a 400-page dossier. "We have put together answers to the 30 questions submitted by Pakistan. It is a very comprehensive document, answering each of the 30 questions," beamed the diligent, obedient student, chest swelling with pride. Even as we continue to go around in circles with our procedures and self-righteousness, Pakistan has released Hafeez Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar organization and the alleged brain behind the Mumbai terror attacks, cancelled petitions against his release, cancelled Sarabjit Singh's mercy petition and has been suitably rewarded by the US, which has tripled its aid with very few conditions on how it needs to be spent. A failed state Pakistan may be, but one with a very clever and quick government that knows how to work the right knobs.

Assuming that Kasab is found guilty and handed the death penalty at some point of time in future, there is always the legal system that allows for re-trials, appeals and prayers at many levels even for such a straight forward case that was a slap on the combined faces of our intelligence, security and preparedness. And finally, if all else fails, the mercy petition kicks in. Given our government's unbreakable, 'one-mercy petition-per-month' rule that is written in stone, Kasab might actually end up giving Afzal Guru, convicted of conspiracy in the Dec 2001 attack on our parliament building and a veteran of the 28 member long death row waiting list, company and bide his time until our Prez. Patil clears the pending petitions. In one of the interrogation scripts published online, Kasab says that he was promised jannat (heaven), after completion of the terror attacks. For someone who was wallowing in stone age across the border throughout his sorry life, waking up within a high security prison every morning, brushing his teeth with toothpaste, going for a brisk walk and reading free Urdu newspapers, after applying some perfume, all provided free, Kasab has indeed reached the gates of jannat. The L-e-T has delivered what it had promised him.

Let's say we hang this guy at the crack of dawn tomorrow and by noon the whole world has solid proof that it was a horrible mistake and that he was a wonderful, innocent chap - a nice son, a good brother and all such dung and that he just happened to be at the CST at the wrong time, toting a toy gun that he had bought as a gift for his nephew back in Rawalpindi or some other hell hole. Only, it turned out to be a real gun that took out a few lives. What would happen? Yes, Pakistan would rattle their sabre and the rest of the world will cry foul and will apply "diplomatic pressure" and spout vitriol laced advice on the need to exercise restraint. But our message would have been loud and clear: "You don't mess with us." We would have erred, but on the side of caution and it isn't all that bad when you consider that tiny nations like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka routinely pull the trigger first and ask questions later if their national pride is messed with. If, on the other hand, he is guilty, which he is, quite obviously, then again the same message would have been sent out, forcing wannabe terrorists to at least think twice. But here we are, running a seemingly endless trial at tax payers' expense. The lethargy that the Indian government has put on show in dealing with an event of such magnitude has instead set a wrong tone. Terrorists, trained or aspiring, following the events since 26/11, can conclude, quite correctly, that India is a soft, spineless and stupid state that can be attacked with nothing to fear.

While we take great pride in how quick we are to bounce back (The now famous "Mumbai spirit") every time after a terror attack, we must hang our heads in shame for having such an impotent government that drags its feet when it comes to dispensing justice, even when our national security was breached so brazenly. And provides enough occasions for the Mumbai spirit to shine. Justice delayed is justice denied. But we have our prince, nostro principe, on record saying, "There is a huge line and there are others before him (Afzal Guru). When his number (turn) comes, he will be hanged” - as simple as that. Till then, did you say Burberry for men? Right away, janab!