Mumbai Attacks: A lucky escape?

From the Editor — By on November 27, 2008 at 9:59 AM

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The events of last night in Mumbai are all over by now and the terror, horror and absolute shock of these is yet subsiding. While the why, how, and who will now be analyzed, the burning question remains ‘Why is this allowed to happen again and again? And again.’ (News as it happens here).

The deaths of the main police officers is as shocking as it is saddening since these men could be depended upon to fight terror. There are also indicators now that the erstwhile Nariman House (now Chhabra House) is the hub of all this activity and there are murmurs of this having a ‘Jewish angle’ or ‘Israeli connection’. We can’t confirm until there are more details.

For this author, though, this was a close shave. Around 9pm last night (Nov 26), he left along with a colleague from Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course area. About 45 minutes later, as we passed the Kalamboli area and touched the Express Highway, the phones started ringing. Just about 45 minutes prior, we had been close to ‘town’ where the most horrendous of attacks have happened.

Initially, there were conflicting reports about what exactly has happened. One report said of a blast at CST station which has since been confirmed. Another spoke of a Nigerian drug ring bust and firing at Colaba which had culminated in a nearby movie theater.

As time went along, though, the details emerged. A colleague’s brother was around the CST area and he confirmed what had happened.

Of course, such situations often give rise to ‘what if’ pondering. What if I had stayed on for another 20 minutes to meet with some more people at the function I was attending? What if I had decided to stay back for dinner? What if I had gone on for that additional meeting?

Nonetheless, while this author feels lucky to have left at the right time, we strongly condemn the acts of terror. An outfit called ‘Deccan Mujahideen’ has claimed responsibility for the attacks and we cannot help but feel that as a country, we are too soft on terrorism. Extreme steps are called for and security must be the topmost priority for us.

As the story develops, more grim details are emerging. There is still a lot of activity at the Oberoi, the Taj and the Trident Hotels. We can only hope this is over sooner than later.

And please leave Mumbai alone.

Photo courtesy: The Age/Reuters

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  • Nikhil

    I might be getting too emotional when I say this, but things like this bring to the fore the absolute lack of ability that the government has to curtail such situations. While these leaders live in fortresses, they leave the common man exposed to all such cowardly acts of terrorism. Though these acts are by forces hell bent on creating an atmosphere of destruction, acts displayed all over the world, I cannot but take my mind back to the number of times Mumbai has been held to ransom by some sections of the society in the recent past.

    The government did not reach proactively then for their political gains and now when there is a terrorist attack, I wonder if we can actually trust these people with enforcing law and order in the city.
    I hope they develop the spine to act in the right manner for the welfare of the citizens and not to appease a particular vote bank all the time.

    I hope the time has come for reforms to finally happen in the political system and the police force as well. Economic reforms are driving the country forward, but lack of political will and zero trust in the police is taking the society in a different direction.

  • JennyMac

    The last 24hrs have been horrific. Now we hear the Shiv Sena are going to hold the entire state to ransom on Monday (world AIDS Day) with a bandh…

    Its about time we all stood up, made ourselves heard and made India's politican's accountable. From speaking with friends in Pune today, there are some crazy reactions “we should follow america's rule and bomb someone” (well thats worked out well for the US!). This problem is an internal problem that i am sure many will use for their own gain with their divisive politics

  • http://scribbler.in adityakuber

    Nikhil, I agree completely. It's time the politicians woke up and fought the terrorists and not amongst themselves.

  • http://www.classicalcasinos.com slot machine casinos

    26/11 was the day when we heard that our Metro City Mumbai attacked by the terrorists. Even nobody believes that why they attacked on TAJ HOTEL. I think we have to think that what are the reason behind all the attacks and eventually the term comes to our mind is “PAKISTAN”.