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Despite bearing the brunt of the terrorist attack for the third time, Mumbai has earned fulsome praise from all quarters for once again demonstrating its determination, vitality and courage much as London did during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

The public spirit of Mumbaikars in attending to the wounded and rushing them to hospitals was nothing short of admirable.

From the very next morning, train services resumed and the normal hustle-bustle of the perky metropolis is in evidence. In refusing to be cowed down by terrorism, the Mumbaikars have set an excellent example for the rest of the country.

The horror that had been perpetrated by vile and venomous brutes in human form is not any less painful on that score. The families mourning the loss of their dear ones will not be able to erase the memory of the gruesome tragedy for a long time. The nation shares their grief.

As is usual in the wake of such shocking incidents, commentators will be quick to blame intelligence agencies for being remiss in taking pre-emptive measures.

The high professional competence and anticipatory capabilities of the intelligence agencies notwithstanding, it is still necessary, in the interest of strengthening the vigil against future threats to national security, to undertake a thorough review of the circumstances leading up to the blasts to diagnose and rectify any lapses and omissions.

All the more so because such a deadly attack in so many trains within such a short interval of 11 minutes (as reported) during the most crowded evening rush hour indicates meticulous planning over many days, which could not have been possible without the knowledge, connivance and support of elements inimical to the country among local people.

It is the imperative duty of the Central and State governments to get to the bottom of the reasons why such an extensive and prolonged preparation by terrorists numbering possibly a dozen or more went unnoticed.

B. S. RAGHAVAN

More Stories on : Terrorism | Maharashtra | Offhand

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