14. Ram impresses his trainers

CHAPTER 14

Ram impresses his trainers

Ram undergoes rigorous training at the commando training centre.

One morning Ram was sitting in the theory class with many other students.

Commando Rawat was giving speech. “You have to be strong minded. A commando has to be sincere and alert. He should have eagle eye. While the police force looks at the public security, we commandos look at the security of the whole nation. When there is a bandh, the police force is there. They are close to public grievances at the police station. But ours is a totally different area. We have to survey the anti-nationalists with eagle eye and catch them. This is our main duty. Today terrorism has become an international problem and our 24 hour alertness is also slipping. Bombs are bursting and thousands of innocent people are dying. Islamic fundamentalism and their activities are causing a big problem to the world peace.”

All were listening attentively.

Rawat continued, “For 10 years after independence our country was in good condition. But after 1960, terrorism opened through Kashmir and is spreading like cancer in India. At that time the problem was only in Kashmir. But today, the problem exists even in Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. The Islamic fundamentalists are spreading their wings all over India.”

All were listening silently.

Rawat said, “These terrorists have no caste or religion. All Muslims are not terrorists.”

Ram said, “Excuse me, sir. But all terrorists are Muslims.”

Rawat nodded. “Yes. That is true. You all will come to know all the loop holes and how they conduct their activities in India. Why this problem is becoming bigger and bigger. Is it possible to remove terrorism?”

Ram got up. “Sir, the root of this problem is that we Indians are giving them fertile land to grow. Our own people who eat and live with us are the enemies of our nation. The Muslim in India are supporting them and giving them a base. They are anti-nationals. It is easy to catch a Pakistani or a Bangladeshi but it is difficult to catch these Indians who are the black sheep.”

All clapped.

Rawat said, “You are assessing the situation wrongly. It may be correct to some extent only.”

Ram said, “I am not saying this because I am a Hindu but I am speaking as an Indian. But they all brand a person talking like this as a Hindu fundamentalist.”

Rawat said, “Ok. Tomorrow we will have practical also.”

After the students went out, one commando said to Rawat, “Ram is very sharp and intelligent. We can give him independent charge after the training is over. We can put him in an area where there is maximum terrorist problem.”

Rawat said, “Yes. He is powerful and at the same time cute looking.”