C Pradeep Kumar
India recently scored a diplomatic victory by securing the long-awaited extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana—a Pakistani-origin Canadian-American accused of being a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. As justice inches closer for the victims of that horrific night, an entirely unrelated—but suspiciously timed—event is unfolding across parts of the country: Waqf protests.
At first glance, these two developments may seem disconnected. But to the discerning eye, they reveal a deeply troubling nexus of diversion, fear, and anti-national propaganda.
Part I: The Truth About Rana’s Extradition
Let’s not forget: Rana is no ordinary accused. He’s a former Pakistani army doctor, a business partner of David Headley (another 26/11 conspirator), and was convicted in the U.S. for plotting attacks against the Danish newspaper that published the Prophet cartoons.
India has been relentlessly pursuing his extradition since 2020. A U.S. court finally approved it in 2023, following years of legal and diplomatic effort.
But why does it matter now?
Because Rana’s interrogation may open a Pandora’s box—not just exposing Pakistani ISI links, but potentially revealing Indian political, bureaucratic, or ideological sympathizers who aided or turned a blind eye during 26/11.
Part II: The 26/11 Lapses We Still Avoid
Let’s recall the undeniable failures surrounding 26/11:
- Delayed deployment of NSG commandos despite prior intelligence inputs
- Repeated, ignored warnings from the U.S. about a sea-based terror attack
- Inadequate coastal security despite known vulnerabilities
- Mysterious lapses in local police response during the first few hours
- Post-attack media narratives that deflected from systemic accountability
Why were these facts downplayed?
Who was in power, sitting on intelligence inputs, delaying response, or redirecting public anger into minority sympathy?
If Rana speaks, these uncomfortable questions may resurface—loudly.
Part III: The Convenient Waqf Uprising
Now, suddenly, there’s nationwide unrest over Waqf Board properties, fuelled by allegations of communal targeting and land-encroachment crackdowns. Protesters take to the streets, slogans echo, and political parties that were silent on 26/11 are now vocal about “minority justice.”
Why is this noise peaking just as Rana’s trial has begun under Indian laws?
Who’s funding these protests? Who’s amplifying them?
Are they spontaneous or choreographed to drown out attention from the 26/11 trial?
It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots.
Part IV: The Communal Shield of Anti-Nationals
Let’s be blunt.
Not every Indian cried over 26/11. Some celebrated in silence—emboldened by ideology, religion, or sheer political hatred.
Some now fear exposure—knowing their links, however indirect, to the planning, support, or defense of those involved.
The communal cover—under the guise of Waqf victimhood—isn’t about protecting rights. It’s about protecting conspirators.
This isn’t Hindu vs Muslim.
It’s India vs traitors. Truth vs manufactured victimhood.
Part V: Time to Call the Bluff
The nation must wake up.
Every inch of Waqf land must be audited. If legally owned, it must be protected. If encroached or usurped, it must be reclaimed—irrespective of religion.
Every political party playing the communal card must be named and shamed.
Every bureaucrat or media outlet trying to create smoke to hide the Rana fire must be exposed.
And every Indian who loves this country must demand—not just Rana’s prosecution—but the identification of every enabler of 26/11, foreign or domestic.
Thus far, the protests are loud. But they are not righteous.
The truth is silent. But it is about to roar. (The views expressed by the author are of his person and not of the e-paper)
