Growing terrorist activities and the damage they render has shaken the imagination of common people in recent years in a large number of countries including India.
How terrorists can hold the society and entire administrative structures at ransom was reflected in the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai that roused sentiments of people like never before.
The State of the Nation Survey conducted by CSDS in collaboration with CNN-IBN tried to read gauge the public opinion, amongst other issues, on the problem of terrorism in India and recent Mumbai attacks.
Themes covered:
The survey covered following themes:
- Knowledge/awareness of terrorist attacks in Mumbai
- Role of media
- Government's handling of the attack - satisfaction/dissatisfaction
- Mastermind behind attacks
- Dealing with those sponsoring terrorist activities in India
Key questions
The key questions raised during the survey were:
- What proportion of people across the country heard about terrorist attacks in Mumbai? Who are they?
- Did media over-play Mumbai attacks or just did its job by the way it covered?
- What do people think about government' handling of terrorist attacks in Mumbai? Did the government do enough? Who are they dissatisfied/satisfied with? Is there religious or political angle to satisfaction or dissatisfaction?
- Do people think there is a link between religion and terrorism?
- Do people think Pakistani government sponsored the terrorist attack?
- How India should deal with those sponsoring terrorist activities in India?
- Do people want war with Pakistan, in the context of recent Mumbai attack?
- Who are they who want war with Pakistan? Where are they?
Have you heard about recent terrorist attacks?
Yes
All
73
No exposure to media
45
Medium exposure to media
84
High exposure to media
91
All figures are in per cent
Preferred view
All
High exposure to T.V
The media sensationalized and over-played the Mumbai attack
19
27
The media only did its job by extensive coverage
48
60
All figures are in per cent; Rest had no opinion
Preferred view
All
College educated
Mumbai-like attacks happen because our internal security is weak
44
55
Many countries have faced similar attacks and this can happen anywhere
32
41
All figures are in per cent; Rest had no opinion
Those agreed
All
Hindu
Muslim
Terrorism has nothing to do with religion
46
44
61
These days terrorism is somehow related to only one religion
24
27
12
All figures are in per cent
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Preferred statement
All
College educated
Mumbai attacks were planned and directed by Pakistani government
33
48
Attackers were Pakistani, but Pakistani government had no control over them
34
43
All figures are in per cent; Rest had no opinion
Those saying that the government
All
Congress voters
BJP voters
Took the right steps
36
47
30
Did not do enough
31
26
37
Took unwise steps in haste
6
4
8
Rest had no opinion; figures for those heard about Mumbai attacks
Preferred view
All
Men
Women
Both India and Pakistan should fight terrorism together
27
29
25
Pakistan is responsible for terrorist attacks and they must be taught a lesson
42
48
35
Rest had no opinion
Those agreed
All
Border states
Rest of India
India should negotiate and persuade the Pakistani government
22
18
22
Put international pressure on Pakistani government
23
19
24
India should take direct military action against Pakistan
24
31
23
Rest had no opinion
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