WHAT SHOULD WE REMEMBER 26/11 FOR?

WHAT SHOULD WE REMEMBER 26/11 FOR?
GRIEF, ANGER, OR CHANGE?



Poor Indians have survived one more terrorist attack. This time target was Mumbai, the most populated financial captial of India. There were a series of ten coordinated attacks on 26 November 2008 and ended on 29 November 2008 when Indian security forces finally regained control of all attack sites. In three days, around 200 people, including 22 foreigners have been killed and more than 400 have been injured. What I feel the possible reason of this attack is to check the growth of Indian economy. India’s economic growth has been the envy of nations like Pakistan and the attack could have been an attempt to divert the world’s attention from India’s growth and development.
Eight attacks took place in South Mumbai: at the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station; at two five-star hotels: the Oberoi Trident at Nariman Point, and Taj Mahal Palace & Tower near the Gateway of India; at the Leopold Café, a popular tourist restaurant in Colaba; at the Cama Hospital; at the Orthodox Jewish-owned Nariman House; at the Metro Adlabs movie theatre; and at the Mumbai Police Headquarters where at least three high-level officers, including the chief of the Anti Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra, were killed by gunfire. There was also an explosion at Mazagaon docks in Mumbai’s port area. The tenth incident involved a taxi blast at Vile Parle near the airport but it is uncertain whether this is connected with the South Mumbai attacks. It was a well-planned terrorist attack.
The aim of this attack was to kill more than 5000 innocent people but thanks to out security forces and Mumbai Police who quicly controlled the situation and finally arrested and killed most of the terrorists. A less know terrorist gang, Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility of this attack by email sent to news organizations. This email came from Pakistan. So the investigators are saying that this attack has its connection in Pakistan. According to recent police reports, the one terrorist who was captured alive disclosed that the attackers belonged to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba Islamist group.
After the attack, all schools, colleges, and most offices, including the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange remained closed on 27 November 2008. Shooting of Bollywood films and TV serials were also stopped. Many international airlines temporarily discontinued operations to Mumbai. The two remaining one-day internationals of the seven match series between the visiting England cricket team and India were canceled. Today, Shivraj Patil, the home minister of India has resigned taking moral responsibility for the security lapse.
So, What Next ?
Indian should attack Pakistan and end all sort of terrorist activities in Pak-occupied Kashmir. At this moment, this is not viable solution. US will never support India in such a situation. Also there are chances of nuclear war. But then what is the solution?


What will India remember 26/11 for? I feel they will remember it as the first time thousands of citizens came together and stood side by side, Hindus and Muslims, Maharashtrians and Biharis, Brahmins and Dalits, rich and poor, famous and unknown, to remind us that the time for divisive politics is over; we must all unite against terror. Though the terrorists spoke to Ayodhya and Godhra, Muslims came out in over whelming numbers to protest against terrorism and their leaders warned the Government not to bury the nine dead Pakistanis on the Indian Soil. For the first time we saw politicians knocked off their arrogant perch. We saw the BJP and Congress speak with one voice in the parliament. The outcome of the state elections also showed that the politics of religion have been washed away. Development was the only issue. Does it mean 26/11 will be remembered for bringing a new twist to our politics.
My anger well never by directed towards religion or another country. My anger is directed towards our own system; our security and infrastructure failed us once again. Mumbai is the revenue centre for the rest of the country so where is the money going? We need to channelize this anger and keep the pressure on to see results.
60% of the population is below 40 which mean we have the largest ‘thinking’ population in the world. We want the new system and so does everyone.
It hurts me deeply when I see the kind of security, I see an undeserving politician getting votes and selected.



Warm Regards
Rhusin Savani