The Hindu Business Line : Mumbaikars speak up against terror

Mumbai, Nov 30 “When will this carnage stop? We want an answer” “What is the Government’s action plan?” “Mr Politician, do you think this is a small thing?” were some of the placards held by the citizens of Mumbai who gathered at the Gateway of India on Sunday morning.

The venue in front of the terror-ravaged Taj Mahal Hotel, which witnessed the anxious wait by the media and public while the encounter and rescue operations were going on, turned out to be a platform for the residents of Mumbai to demonstrate their sympathy, anger, frustration and national solidarity.

Tribute to the dead

They protested against the security lapses that led to the terrorists’ infiltration, they vented their frustration against the lack of political will to combat terror, they paid homage to the commandos and police who laid down their lives, and they paid tributes to all who lost their lives to terror.

Hundreds gathered at the Gate Way of India and Marine Drive in white clothes and with black band on their right arm. They lit candles, paid floral tributes and spoke their feelings in as many words through the placards they were holding. “We organised among ourselves through phone calls and SMS,” said Mr Amit Jain, a 20-year old Colaba resident.

“I have been living here for 35 years. Taj is like second home for us. I had breakfast here on the day of terror attack. I know every waiter here,” said Mr Jagdeep Saxena, another local resident. His business associate, the London-based Sir Gulam Noon was trapped inside the Taj, but was lucky to escape the tragedy.

Not only the residents in the immediate neighbourhood who gathered in Colaba and Marine Drive (where The Trident-Oberoi stands), but also people from far-flung suburbs including Borivli and Thane came to South Mumbai on Sunday to pay homage to the terror-victims. “I came on my own, thinking if they would allow I would light a candle. I did,” said Ms Vijayalaxmi who came from Thane.

Brickbats to lapses

Public put up questions through placards which read – “When will we wake up?” and advised the political class “Please do not politicise this”. “Mumbai - Mighty Undefeated Mumbaikars Being brave Against Intolerance”, proclaimed one poster. Another placard seemed to have found immediate resonance in the corridors of power – “Send back home the Home Minister”.

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