Thursday, June 2, 2011

Terror of Pirates

Somali pirates have become a serious challenge for the world. Every now and then they hijack commercial vessels and take huge amounts in lieu of releasing the crew members held hostage. This problem has assumed serious proportions. Their activities are growing. Approximately six months ago they hijacked a ship and were holding 15 Indian crew members hostage and were demanding huge amount as ransom from the concerned shipping company. After the company paid the ransom, the pirates released eight Indian hostages recently, but they did not release the remaining seven Indians and continued to hold them as hostage. Now they are demanding to release those 61 pirates, who were arrested by the Indian Navy in March, in lieu of the seven Indian hostages.
Role of the United Nations
Overseas Indians Affairs Minister V. Ravi has said that saving the lives of Indian hostages would be their highest priority. He has also assured of quick decision and speedy action in this matter. Indian naval ships have foiled several attempts of hijacking ships by these pirates, but this problem is not restricted to any one country. All countries of the world are suffering from this problem.
An economic organization named the International Counter Piracy Trust has been constituted to prevent it, which makes funds available for the projects to deal with pirates, but it is not proving to be very effective. This is such a complex problem that only two-three countries cannot deal with it collectively. The UN role could prove effective for it.
Solution to Problem
A mechanism should be created under it that launches a campaign for eradication of pirates. The navies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France are deployed on the Somali coast. Despite it, pirates have been unleashing terror.
The Somali Government is weak and without resources. It could also be a good alternative that, instead of taking action separately, the Somali Government should be strengthened by providing arms and funds to it, which could eradicate the pirates.

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