MNIK's Pune Bomb blast connection

We boldly saw the release of 'My Name is Khan(MNIK)' which was released on Friday, 12th February 2010, despite opposition from the two factions of the Sena. Proud of their move of preserving 'the freedom of expression' (SRK's comments on welcoming Pakistani players to India), the government deployed most of the police force for protecting the movie from the vandalism of the Sena. 

While the public and the politicians enjoyed the movie sending a bold message that they don't subscribe to Sena's views, the terrorists lost no time at grabbing the golden opportunity. They chose the German Bakery as their target. The bakery, which is in  the vicinity of the Chabad house and the Osho Ashram- both places frequented by foreigners, proved to be an easy target. 

The question that arises is whether the police were supposed to be deployed as guards to protect the commercial interests (as well as the aforementioned freedom) or was it their duty to keep a vigil on the area for which the Centre had already supplied intelligence on. It is a difficult question to answer. On one side lies the fundamental aspect of our constitution- on which our democracy is based upon and on the other, the current and more practical  aspect. Neither can we let revelers raise a question on our fundamental beliefs nor can we let our country become a soft target in the hands of the terrorists. It is a difficult balance that should have been maintained by the Maharashtra government. But probably the glitz, glamour and lights blinded its eyes.

IPL3 auction

Today at the IPL3 auction, the biggest surprise came in when only two of the Australians got sold. More surprisingly, none of the Pakistani players were picked up. Is it that the bidders didn't think Pakistanis good enough? The Pakistanis are the present T20 champions, aren't they? A day before the auction, Afridi made a statement that he was looking forward eagerly for playing at the IPL3 as the Pakistanis were banned last year in view of the 26\11 terrorist attacks. Incompetency, clash in schedules or money  is definitely not the reason for not picking up the Pakistanis\Australians. Then what made the bidders react the way they did? I am forced to think that it must have been Pakistan's ignorance against the terrorism that is actually being spawned by its own army\government. As for Australia, it must have been their shear ignorance of the racist attacks on Indians living there. I am rather pleased by today's developments. Did the bidders decide unanimously not to select Pakistanis or Australians? Or was the volcano erupting in each of their hearts? Or was it a reaction to a pointer coming from the stable of Indian diplomats? Whatever be the reason, this was the least they could have(legally) done to embarrass the Pakistanis\Australians. You should have seen the look on their faces when Afridi's name was called out- they were ice cold. I am sure, their action would be criticized by the media as is the latter's habit. But it is high time that the media realize that cultural bondings by way of music, sports, literature etc. doesn't help a bit in strengthening the relations between the two countries. Recent TOI initiative is only a marketing gimmick strengthening the newspaper's financials rather than the bonds of the two nations. The government must take action against such publicity stunts. I am not averse to the flow of music, cricket etc. from across the border but I am to that of bullets and hate.