Mumbai Terror Attacks: A Crying Shame

Mumbai's love affair with terror never seems to end. Thanks to the callous attitude of corrupt politicians. The latest attacks are just a continuation of Mumbai's long struggle with the terrorists. What really separates these attacks from the prior ones is the change in the strategy of the terrorists. The attacks till now had always been bomb blasts. Place some time bombs in strategic places and escape before the investigating agencies could lay a scent on your trail. That has always been their strategy. This time it was different. It was an all out attack on the innocent citizens. This attack was signified by:

1. The change in strategy

The strategy this time was to wage a war Mumbai. The terrorists did not place a bomb and run away. Instead they chose to bring in sophisticated guns and grenades this time. Surprise had always been a feature of terror attacks but this time the surprise was the change in strategy. The goal was to inflict more damage to human life than to property. It was no longer an attack, it was full on war.

2. The change in attitude

The attitude of the attackers was that of soldiers and not guerillas. So proud were they of what they were doing that they did not even cover their faces as had been the norm till now. "Catch me if you can" was the attitude.

3. The mode of execution

The places for the attack were chosen so as to cause maximum damage o human life. The style of execution and the planning rewarded the attackers thus:

a. Frighten the foreigners so India could get less investment

b. Attack on top police officers so as to inflict fear

The terrorists will be gone soon and Mumbai as always will bounce back. People will light candles for the dead and organize meets. And then? Then Mumbai is back to normal - Cursing the roads and the lack of infrastructure. But this very callous attitude of the people has given rise to a democracy without people. The democracy in India is run by ministers who do not care about the people. The chief minister of Maharashtra is busy promoting his sons films when he is not attending parties. The other ministers are busy promoting their careers. Still others are promoting their construction companies and newspapers. Who has time for India? After all it will go to the dogs one of these days. The home minister of India is still holding on to his chair after 4 terror attacks during his tenure. Patriotism? What's that?

So will we never be able to route out terrorism? Why not? What Mumbai needs is some drastic measures. Maybe military rule or some other innovative strategy in which politicians are not involved. Moreover the people need to revolt against the politicians. A civil revolution maybe. But it's time to get the city back from the hands of the politicians. And who can do that. We the people. But the people are busy with their lives. Earning more so they can pay more taxes. Working late at nights so they can be the target of terror attacks on their way back home. Isn't it time we cared?

Mumbai still is the financial capital of India. The emergence of other cities has done little to take that crown away from the beach city. The riots could not harm it, the floods could not wash away its spirit but terrorism could. Not your cloak-and-gun terror but this kind where the enemy is right in front of you with a gun pointed to your head. Well who wouldn't be afraid? While the media is having a field day chomping up on the scoop and fighting for the top slot, the common man is busy getting killed.

An outburst of a frustrated citizen you may say, but these are facts. A city such as Mumbai does not have a column of the NSG Commandos who actually fought the terrorists. They had to be called from Delhi and the red tape took its time. The chief minister had suddenly become invisible. The home minister was busy in meetings. The police commissioner was busy holding press conferences with half baked information. This city needs some common people.

It's time Mumbai woke up to what it really is and whom it really belongs to. The common middle class man. And when that happens, no terrorist will ever dare to even set foot in Mumbai. Till such a time, God help Mumbai!!