Masjid and message

Terrorism operates on two prime objectives: to inflict death and destruction, and to do so in a manner to create anxiety and vengefulness. We cannot know how much damage and injury was intended by those who placed bombs within the premises of Delhi8217;s Jama Masjid on Friday evening. Having smuggled their explosives into the historic heart of Islam in north India, they were clearly targeting the huge congregations that assemble for Friday namaz. In the event, it could have been much worse. But no death, no injury, no casualty at the hands of terrorism is acceptable. And the incident serves as another reminder of the security challenge before the country.

That challenge involves civil society as well. Just like the explosion at Varanasi8217;s Sankat Mochan temple last month 8212; there, too, on its busiest day, Tuesday 8212; the blasts at Jama Masjid are blatant incitement. They are, in their meticulous symbolism, motivated by the desire to provoke a fearfulness conducive to distrust between communities. At Varanasi that intent was decisively defeated, by religious leaders and the city8217;s residents. In Delhi too it must be so. The clergy at Shah Jahan8217;s magnificent shrine has taken the lead in appealing for calm. Those voices will, we are certain, be joined in days to come 8212; by leaders of diverse communities and political parties. But the real rebuttal must 8212; and we are certain it will 8212; come from ordinary folks. On the day after such an incident, there is only one way to fight back. And that is by meeting the day8217;s normal schedule and chores.

On a day when explosions also rocked Srinagar, the blasts in Delhi come as intimation of a disturbing pattern. Investigations will reveal whether there is any common link in recent attacks. But the symbolism being sought to be imbued in these attacks must be defeated by a unified response. It would be extremely unfortunate if, in the face of popular resolve to emphasise mutual goodwill, any attempt was made to politicise the incident.