Terrorism in India

"India in war with terrorism?"

terrorism in india asia terrorism mumbai attack 2008
Terrorism in India -- Photo courtesy of vincentloy.wordpress.com

First of all, to understand terrorism, you have to know what it is and why "everyone" is afraid of it.

What separates terrorism from ordinary deadly attacks, is that terrorism is not performed during an armed conflict. Terrorism is deadly acts with the intention of killing civilians. Terrorists want to compel a government/international organization to do something, or scaring it from doing a specific act. To achieve that -- they use the most powerful weapon: Fear.

They spread fear by killing civilians -- random people. We don't know who, when, where and if a terror act will strike. That's what so scary about terrorism -- its unpredictability.

Note: I have majored in International Criminal Law which includes terrorism, and International Humanitarian Law.

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Attacks in India

Here are the latest attacks in India, allegedly called terror attacks: Pune Feb 10, 2010, Mumbai in Nov 2008, Jaipur in May 2008,

Pune attack Feb 10, 2010

A bomb exploded at a popular German bakery in Pune, in Western India. It killed approximately 17 lives (four foreigners and 13 Indians) and injured 60 people. This happened after a couple of days after the Indian and Pakistani representatives agreed to carry on "peace talks" in New Delhi, scheduled for February 25th.

In early 2010, a Pakistani-American businessman was going through a trial in the US, an allegedly suspected member of the Pakistani-based group called Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Pune Blast -- What's next for India-Pakistan dialogue -- Reuters.com

Mumbai attacks Nov 26-29, 2008:

Most of us have seen the Mumbai attacks on TV. Well, there's no doubt that the attacks in Mumbai were the clearest sign of terrorism in India. It appalled the Indian nation, as well as international viewers.

There were 10 bombing attacks, and 8 of them happened at Taj Mahal Palace and Tower (hotel), the touristy Leopold café, Cama hospital, hotel complex Oberoi Trident, Metro Cinema etc. The attacks killed approximately 170 people (including foreigners) and injured over 300 people.

One of the attackers, who were captured alive, admitted that he belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, but the group itself has denied that they were part of the attacks. In the aftermath, reports have confirmed that this organization was behind the attacks.

Mumbai Attacks -- BBC News

Jaipur attacks May 13, 2008:

The attack cost 60 lives and more than 150 people were injured. There were seven bomb blasts near historic monuments and one of them exploded near Jaipur's popular landmark, Hawa Mahal. An Islamic, militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack. They call themselves the "Indian Mujahedeen" (= an ethnic Indian affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba).

Click here to read more about this on BBC News

Are the attacks in Pune and Mumbai linked to the conflict in Kashmir?

The group Lashka-e-Taiba is based in Pakistan, and some have claimed that they have recruited individuals in Kashmir.

To read more about this, click on the links below:

Mumbai Attacks: Kashmir is source of long running India-Pakistan dispute -- Telegraph.co.uk

Click here to read more about the Kashmir conflict

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Need more tips and information on conflicts, crimes, terrorism or other essential safety issues related to backpacking in Asia?

Click here to learn the backpacking basics of safety.

Safety Tips for Travelers in India:

Terrorism in India will occur, more or less. It's all about if you're at the wrong place at the wrong time.

BUT… if I were you, I would get updates on the political situation in India. The tendency is that militant attacks occur right before and after a political election/important dialogue, public holidays or other special events. Hotels, markets and other public places are attractive targets for militant groups.

How to get updates:

When you get to India, you should register directly with your local embassy or consulate. You can also do this online, and as far as I know it's a free registration.

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Click here to read about South Thailand insurgency

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