Mumbai.. the city which has seen all.

Well, its been more than 48 hours now since the time, the first reports of firing at the CST and Leopold Cafe came in. Its been more than 48 hours since the ordeal began. Something that would forever change the way Urban rich and top brass Indian looked at terror. An incident which would have far reaching consequences, one which has brought the rich and the mighty on their knees. An attack which rattled every mumbaikar and rather every Indian. The brutality and the in compassionate manner of action of the 'terrorists' is shocking even by all forgone standards. The preparation undoubtedly immense, the targets were also chosen very specifically and this was something that has given them a fighting power of more than 48 hours. All this combined with the tremendous training to be insensitive, in compassionate and ruthless has resulted in 125 dead and more than 3 times as many injured. Apart from the brave Indian Police officers, policemen, NSG commanders, NSG men, and Army officers. All in all, the best of the best men in Indian Force have had to be deployed for bringing an end to this ordeal at the minimum possible damage.

Its sad, that a bunch of 10 - 15 people can hold a country to ransom. Though, the precarious nature of the situation forced the forces to be cautious as it involved the lives of 100's of guests and high profile citizens in the hotels, on the roads as well as in the hospitals where the terrorists had taken refuge.

I wouldnt write much here as emotions can not always be put in words.. The past two days were amongst the saddest and the gloomiest days around. When the apostles of glory and pomp succumb to such brutal and ruthless attacks, even the most hardened humans being to feel the pinch. Its not everyday that someone simply walks into a railway station and start shooting at will, take hostages in a hospital only to then enter a 5 star hotel and apart from killing scores, hold many to ransom and destroy the entire imperial structure. The beautiful Taj was to bear the brunt along with the Trident-Oberoi and Nariman House. The alert had already sounded all across the city and to all the hotels, but thankfully it was concentrated only in this part of the town, lest even more loss to life and property would have happened.

Everywhere there were headlines... - War on Mumbai.. But what is a war? When one aims to destroy the other, though try to save oneself. Here it was nothing like wanting to save. All those who had come here knew very well, that they were not going to die. They never wanted any ransom. They were not here for a safe passage. But they were here to kill. And simply didnt care for anything more.

However one may condemn these acts of barbarism, it led to the killing of over 125 people and injuring hundreds. It brings us back to the question of what to do as responsible and concerned citizens. Many in the circles of elite said much. They spoke with passion and conviction. Talked of having to lead, 'do a walk'. And then one soul responded... with the below:

" excerpts from the mail....

2. We need to write to editorials of newspapers when there are communal fights like Mumbaikar v/s bihari etc... etc .

3. we need to ask lot of questions through RTI an file cases through PILs if we really want to lead towards change.... Walk is a great idea but our politicians will never bother ...for walks ..

4. we need to vote .. elections are our weapon to tell those who can act .. that we are angry and need action from them....

5. following rules and co-operatig with security guards .. stop paying bribe for its corruption which generates black money which sponsors all wrong things...

I appluad this honest practical answer to what we as citizens should do. People talk shit and people may talk big, but this is the real answer to a lot many of the issues that we in modern India are facing. This is the answer to the many questions raised by the so called concerned.
The politicians if held responsible are well equipped to take the right measures to deal with such situations. There is no dearth of talent in this land of Dr Radhakrishnan. There is no lack of will in this land of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. There is no dearth of character in this land of Gandhi. Just that, we the people have forgotten that these are the very fundamentals of living a better, more just and more prosperous life.

Lastly... above all the passions and call for unity, someone needs to know what being an Indian is. Mr Raj Thakeray - It were the NSG commandos from New Delhi and the multi ethinic Indian Armed Forces that had to be called into action to save the Marathi manoos's life, while ur MNS was peeing in its pants and the clarion sounding manoos were all holed up in the safety of their homes. Kindly understand, there is no way u or anyone can divide this country............