The people strolling into the Taj for a wedding reception didn’t know what they’d be in for a few minutes later. Nor did the missing food critic in whose bathroom the terrorists were holed up in. And nor did the civilian who gave the terrorist drinking water and was shot dead seconds later. This is not the Bombay I grew up in.
What’s sad is that the city officials only beef up security AFTER such an incident takes place. Metal detectors won’t help. We need trained personnel and for that the Government needs to stop acting like stingy cowards. Just look at the massive amount of security they themselves move around with? The common Indian lives are too cheap to be concerned for. Maybe now that the most ‘secure’ areas in the city have been attacked, there will be stronger repercussions. I am looking forward to a Citizens’ Movement to do my bit.
While the rest of the world celebrated Thanksgiving Day yesterday, I lit a candle as a tribute to all those who lost their lives while struggling to end the terror war and for those innocent civilians who were killed in the mayhem. My heart goes out to the families.
The city needs your prayers.
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
totally agree….. WE WANT PEACE AND SECURITY…AND HOW!!
What a horrible and sad situation. Sending positive wishes for all the innocent people who are put at risk by this situation.
I celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday here in New York, but believe me, our prayers included everyone in the city of Mumbai and the country of India. May God bless and keep you.
Blue Polka: You bet. Things need an overhauling.
Kalyn: It is absolutely crazy. It’s on a grander scale than anybody could ever expect.
Sandy Smith: I’m absolutely touched that even as you celebrated thanksgiving, you kept us in your prayers. Highly appreciated.
Lovely post, Shaheen.
Such situations just make me feel so helpless and frustrated. And very worried.
Take care.
Thanks, Sunita. You please take care too. Things have become so unpredictable.
I’ve lived in Mumbai for almost 15 years now and never have I witnessed anything of such grandiose proportions. It’s not the police or the commandos who are at fault. It HAS to be those politicians. Politics in this country has hit rock bottom and there doesn’t seem any way around the bureaucracy and amateurism of the manners of this country’s top brass.
The 60 hours that it took (the mop up operations are still on as I type) are not because of the ineptitude of the National Security Guard and the Black Cats. They did their all, as did the staff at the hotels. But someone has to stand up and take the blame, and sadly our Prime Minister has proven himself to be a coward; a man far from what the country needs at such a time.
Sack the home minister. Get in some young, educated and passionate individuals. Drill the pathetic customs and coast guard and other such ridiculously handled departments who allow such individuals to walk in without any hassle at all. Don’t expect the civilians to do the dirty work. Get a damn grip, you politicians.
My heart broke over what happened in Mumbai, Coco…& as always, it's again a case of too little, too late. That such high levels of planning can go unnoticed in India's commercial capital is scary. Words escape me…it's nerve-shattering, it's heart-wrenching & unbelieveable.
I’ve come to your blog to check the results of this month’s Daring Bakers Challenge and saw this post… Usually I don’t pay attention on politics on the net but this time I have to comment… As I’m writing this comment tears are rolling down my face for every single soul hurt in this madness… my heart goes out for the dead, injured, widowed, orphaned and for the beautiful city of Mumbai turned into a bloody madness. Take care down there Shaheen!
My heartfelt prayers for the victims of the senseless attacks.Its certainly wasn’t a grateful thanksgiving for people of mumbai. Hope you are keeping safe.
My prayers and thoughts to families of the victims. I hope the situation will tide over soonest. *hugs*
yes, terrible what has happened!
I came over to see your Daring Baker cake and had to read your commentary about this terrible tragedy. Living in NYC, I saw the terror inflicted on 9/11, so I understand the anger and disbelief you are feeling now. I hope the world will ban together and work to put an end to terrorists groups who prey on innocents. My htoughts and prayers are with you in the city on Mumbai
Thank you for you support, everyone. The city is angry, scared and frustrated. The state home minister actually had the audacity to say that this is a big city and sometimes there are slip ups
my family is from Bombay and I have many relatives there. I feel absolutely numb and stunned by what happened and like you frustrated at the way that it could have happened. terrible.
I learned of these shocking events while cruising in the middle of the Caribbean. We all felt so angry and helpless! My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the people in Mumbai. When will all of this violence and hate end!
I’ve been away from a computer, thus haven’t had a moment to respond to you until now. My thoughts were with you as we celebrated Thanksgiving here on the Central Coast. Bless you and my thoughts are with you. Heather
Thank you for all your concern. Heather, it was nice of you to have stopped by.
P7 has started a new show called "Salaam Mumbai" on the anniversary of 26/11 terrorist attack. The show has started from 18th Nov till 26th Nov. 2009 daily at 8.00 p.m.
This show is focussing on issues related to terrorism, mumbai's undieng spirit for anti-terrorism and unity against all odds.
This is a fully research based show where anchors, reporters are presenting facts, figures which are important for every Mumbaikar to know. With this we spread the feeling of unity, want to strengthen our bonds despite all odds and showing terrorism that we can fight against it.