As I had written earlier, all indications are that despite the high cost in innocent lives and terror, this was a failed attempt on Mumbai. Precisely as it had been planned, something went wrong with the terrorists planning. They had planned to kill 5000 people and blow both the Taj Hotel and the Oberoi, making this truly India’s 9/11. While nothing can be quite clear and one captives testimony cannot reveal the whole truth, thiis does show how vulnerable we really our. Terrorists can hit us at will, land anywhere n our coast, carry explosives anywhere they want and hit us with impunity. Nothing and nowhere seems safe anymore. Especially there is no indication that other terrorists are not holed out in the streets of Mumbai.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement that the government will punish the perpetrators of this crime ruthlessly carries no weight. Those of us that saw his address to the nation were taken aback for his lack of conviction and determination. He seemingly was being told what to say and looked like a man scared of the events that had overtaken his government. For the first time I actually believed that Mr Manmohan Singh is a great economist and completely non corrupt, but is an ineffective leader, or is not allowed to lead.
This an appeal for a strong leader in India. The US has found Obama, will India find a leader that is strong and determined ? One that is compassionate yet ruthless when needs to be ? One that has the love and the respect of the people ? Someone that can lead us to greatness ? Out of corrupton, out of dirty messy impossible politics, out of casteism, out of communalism, out of elitism out of ignorance and into the country that the people of India deserve, aspire to and are capapble of but for the political non leadership they have been subjected to – a leadership that has kept a whole generation downtrodden under the illusion that we were a poor country with insurmountable problems. What a lie ! We are a great people kept downtrodden by a corrupt political system and by a false democracy.
Shekhar,
You read my mind …
I’ve been worried, caluclating all the numbers and events … Somethings feels unclear, some numbers are confusing …
“Are there terrorists still walking around Mumbai ? ”
India needs a leader with 1st priority Only Country and People … Intelligent, Courageous, Fearless, No personal motive, No self interest,
? ???? ??? ?? ?????, ??? ??? ??? ?? ?? ????, ?? ???? ??? ??? ???? ??? ??? ??? ????????
Hey People of my homeland, have tear Just fill in the eye, Just remember the martyr who do their sacrifice
http://www.upana.org/911mumbaiindiaworldneedspeace
Well said Shekhar; with conviction, passion and the truth!!
One day, India will rise above its corruption in military, police and government systems.. try not to lose heart.
Every country around the world has a corrupt government, military, police and social system. It has been humankinds “tragedy” since our human-existance on this planet. Poverty statistics prove that, rampant war, military rule.. Darfur.
Tactical and destructive terrorism is used to break peoples spirit, pierce their heart, shrink the mind, explode the emotion – and place in that place, dark fear, anger and hatred for them and the havoc they wreak from the deaths they cause.
This is their most primitive yet, continually successful and destructive weapon of all, because most human beings justify those symptoms of fear, anger, hate as “normal” but, in the great scheme of things we all do, spiritually know that harbouring those feelings and emotions feeds the size of the fire.
I know it is easy for me to say keep heart from way over here in a safer place; but.. I mean it in the most loving, kind wise way.
Keep love in your hearts.. and love will grow.
Keep hate in your hearts.. and hate will grow.
From my heart,
donna doreen/aka-north
i liked manmohan as a economist and visionary but i think he lack leadership. i dont know where to look may be its time common men and women look to them self and decide what they want for out nation
Upcoming elections :
TO VOTE or NOT TO VOTE
i am thinking
🙁
Dearest FELLOW Indians,
As Mumbaikars,Biharis,Delhiwalls..we become named and therefore limited.As Indians we become limitless.Let us consciously use it.
I still have Aunts and Uncles who committed themselves to Khadi then, and will do so till they die.That era will soon come to an end.
There was a voice that was raised then.This voice brought India together.Today it is being heard in America.It is healing their wounds,their memories and most important their faith is being restored.Soon it will be in the portals of the White house.
India needs that voice again.Let us endevour to raise it to a pitch that drowns the current noise..keep at it,dear Shekhar.
Let it echo in India again.
NARENDRA MODI..he is the only one who can deliver what India needs at this point in time. Heck, even Ratan Tata thinks so.
Manmohan Singh is an accountant, and was a perfect person for the Congress puppeteers. He’s a nice guy, but quite over-estimated, and not at all the leader that India needs.
An ugrent call.
There was a movie called ‘A wednesday’ made in bollywood and released a few months back. It dealt with the response of a common man who no longer could sit on the sides and remain a mute and helpless spectator when all his dream and hope keeps getting shattered. It was a blockbuster because it reflected the sentiments of the ‘ordinary people’. Ironically the attack on Mumbai began on A Wednesday. Is it concidental? I doubt it.
Does it indicate a link with Dawood Ibrahim?
Of what I have ever learnt of their ‘love’ and ‘connections’ with bollywood, the kind of macbre response very much fits the character of this mutiliated ‘small’ mind.
He has complete protection of the ISI, if not the Pakistani government and is linked with all the major terrorist organisations. While Osama bin Laden remains merely a ‘prophetic symbol’ for the terrorists, Dawood and company are providing the financial assistance and the necessary informaton for carrying out almost all attacks on the soil of India.
I urge the Indian government to eliminate Dawood and company if we ever want to succeed fighting terror.
We had elections in Delhi yesterday, and i think the difficulty is not in getting people to vote — the problem is actually deciding on whom to vote for? which one political party at this time is honest and resolves to do unbiased good to the nation, its people and the world. It is wrong for us to crib about the fact that we dont have honest leaders, for I know it is my responsibility and yours to come up and take leadership. But how many of us can do that? Even if some people want to, the system in our country has become so rigid that for people from non-political backgrounds, it is almost impossible to make your way through the corruption and muck. Honest officers are so often squashed and troubled that people either become fearful of honesty or have to pay a price by getting assassinated.
Who will dare to be the leader of today is a big question?
An ugrent call.
There was a movie called ‘A wednesday’ made in bollywood and released a few months back. It dealt with the response of a common man who no longer could sit on the sides and remain a mute and helpless spectator when all his dream and hope keeps getting shattered. It was a blockbuster because it reflected the sentiments of the ‘ordinary people’. Ironically the attack on Mumbai began on A Wednesday. Is it concidental? I doubt it.
Does it indicate a link with Dawood Ibrahim?
Of what I have ever learnt of their ‘love’ and ‘connections’ with bollywood, the kind of macbre response very much fits the character of this mutiliated ‘small’ mind.
He has complete protection of the ISI, if not the Pakistani government and is linked with all the major terrorist organisations. While Osama bin Laden remains merely a ‘prophetic symbol’ for the terrorists, Dawood and company are providing the financial assistance and the necessary informaton for carrying out almost all attacks on the soil of India.
I urge the Indian government to eliminate Dawood and company if we ever want to succeed fighting terror.
Shekhar, you’ve truly written some exceptional articles regarding the mumbai attacks.
I would suggest you to be a part of the ‘Rebuild India’ mission which is a bloggers’ forum initiated in order to unite bloggers from all over the world so that that they could express their thoughts on India’s current state and their solutions on a common platform. Please click on the following link for further clarity
http://www.intheorbit.com/2008/11/rebuild-india-mission.html
While there are a lot of people who are complaining that India is a false democracy, I would like to see a single one saying that he/ she is willing to give up their right of trials, right of travel, the right to make films without first getting their script approved, to hold talk shows that can talk about the corrupt system, to publish a newspaper, to blog,….
Yes, I agree we need a new leader, but if we all blame the congress, and the BJP benefit from all these terrorists, we shall have riots to contend with.
Whatever happened to the lead India movement?
This was not first attack of terrorism in India and I fear this wont be last.
Looking at the sheer magnitude of their planning I feel they were trained just like 9/11. You see the terrorists got training in aircraft technology and then they blew up WTC. So, even here these Bastards might have done reccee, taken maps reported to filthy people in pakistan and done planning to the detail. There is also fear that these bastards will be in many parts of India with other plans. They have attacked house of worships in past, a star hotel and now we must be proactive with hospitals, malls, political rally’s, cinema houses in short they want maximum damage with their limited means.
A state level Security Guards are needed, not to forget that for any future attack the SCG would need an aircraft to carry not only 200 SCG’s but also their equipments.
An federal authority and commandos are needed in every state with its own constitution and acts of terror can be given to FAI (Fedral Authority of India) to combat terror.
A ban on live telecast is much, much needed. I can understand the psychology of T.V viewers but come to imagine, even a commando opposite Nariman house wanted an update on what’s happening in TV at the place. The bastards (by bastards I obviously mean terrorists) were in communication with Pakistani Bastards who in turn may be watching the TV, they celebrated when they came to know that ATS chief is dead in Taj…how come? by TV…one can imagine they might have taken phones of hostages to contact Pakistanis…media reported CST shooting spree first which was attention diversion and they comfortably managed makeshift communication head quarters at Taj and Trident. If we can have 200 SCG in every city, the impulsive or reaction time will be better to save many lifes.
Citizen role the most un noticed by far has to be a collective work, why not have a national toll free number on people who seem suspicious? They can forge ID cards and what not, but if we have ATS offices in city, much will be in control and next time those sickos will think about their own fears. Any one cannot enter India without valied documents. Its high time India has its own tamper proof Identity card. Now these so called politicians are giving election cards just like they distribute phamplets…can one imagine any of the terrorist from pakistan or bangladesh will apply the same?
The malls, hotels, hospitals, must have a strict job history details because this is very important and must know whom to recruit and keep tab of activities.
Again, the management colleges must think of syllabus of terrorism management in future.
As far as politicians are concerned, no body cares if they make any sense any more. I mean they announce compensation and condemn the act and make a poker face and then everything gets normal. I dont think this is normal they are to be accounted and am very happy the home minister has resigned.
Why cannot a single minister tell what we want to hear? Why cannot a single minister look into the camera and tell how and when people behind these act will be accounted? Why cannot a politician has solution for this? Sadly politics is a profession in India to make money or it seems so in this present situation. I would appreciate any politician to actually tell the world , the U.S the U.K and all that we have been having this problems over two and half decades and majority of these comes from Pakistan and why cannot India just stop being friendly to pakistan? some steps have to be taken when the iron is hot or else…
someone must request the election planning authority to have “NO VOTE” as option for youth. Damn, I am not idiot not to vote but I will vote to no party so that my vote is not tampered.
Oh yes,
All those terrorists who got killed, the Indian government must not only give snaps of them to Pakistan but the pictures must be so bad that the mothers, sisters of those killed terrorists must weep, cry and hate pakistan
I want to vote, but is there a deserving candidate?
The few who are according to me, are busy filling their pockets.
Sorry you are one of them.
Hi Shekar,
I agree. This calls for strong leadership as the politicians have only said what we are used to hearing. Why is Bombay, our Bombay such a soft target? I ran a live blog on http://johnpmathew.blogspot.com. Do have a look.
best wishes, in these troubled times,
John
Dear Shekhar,
You wrote :
“What a lie ! We are a great people kept downtrodden by a corrupt political system and by a false democracy.”
—————————-
I strongly disagree. Lets get out of this illusion that we are a great people. We are just people, just as people across the border are just people. At best we are resilient and carry on with our lives in face of extreme adversity. I think an ancient culture gives us that temperament. But beyond that we at this point in time we are a self-absorbed, self-centered, self-seeking nation who gives a damn with what happens to the other person. The better heeled you are more likely this description is going to fit you like a glove.
We assuage our guilt conscious by writing blogs and making noises in private drawing rooms that does not inconvenience us one bit. We are not ready to sacrifice an iota of comfort for a larger cause.
Our politicians are after all chosen by us. We have let politics become the backyard for the fringe elements of the society. Today when we see their circus we have lost moral ground to point fingers at them. How many of us well-educated people ever consider politics as a career? Where are the Nehrus and Boses who left lives of comfort to fight the grueling war of independence? Why have those elements in society got edged out by the Pappo Yadavs of the world?
Until the cream of society gets down to dirtying their manicured fingernails in wiping the dust and grime of politics nothing will happen. We need to get up and take responsibility. Lighting candles and joining facebook ‘I condemn terrorism’ communities is not enough. What we need are ideas on how we as responsible citizens can reclaim our country back. We need action.
Regards,
Ritu
shekar it is easy for the media to call it terrorism . the ISI has always worked hand in hand with the CIA, MI5 .the plot is to destaablise the indian subcontinent through turning hindus against muslims and vice versa. the website globalresearch.ca has a good article on who was behind the attacks. the attack was very similiar to the attacks in beslan russia. an intelligence report in the us reports that india, china, and russia are potential threats to anglo american hegemony. india is seen as the weaker link among the three. this parsi is bloody mad and angry on how gullible the western media has become. mehernosh
your question chills me,but the question to be what are the other targets in mumbai and everywhere else in India.no matter what the answer is one thing is that Indians are bold to face anything.
Number of terrorists entered is not confirmed,but there munber limited to 25,though 10+ are killed and one in capitivity,where are the others that chills me ,this question needs immediate & urgent answer critical response,and just puts me uncomfortable,what happens when and where,these make me restless,unhappy
I hope that the Indian people know that whatever Reverend Jeremiah Wright says it doesn’t represent the views of all of America. Lots of us in America see Jeremiah Wright as a source of shame and view him with contempt.
I don’t feel that this is a case of India’s chickens coming home to roost. Lots of us in America would be appalled at hearing Reverend Jeremiah Wright say “God Damn India”.
It really concerns me that such a low life is so close to our President-elect.
Unfortunate but true – the TOI carried a news bit about how a man carried his regsitered revolver in the Mumbai local trains/ stations. He went undetected and when he showed the police the revolver – they claimed to have not heard the beeps from the detectors… Is there hope still?
mehernosh tarapore
I guess we are in state of mind where we suspect everyone. According to me, it doesnt matter who is attacking or trying to weaken us.
I think we should concentrate on strengthening ourselves. Whether it is US or UK, Pakistan or China.
We should be well equipped to protect oursselves.
Brahmashtra
I have gr8 respect for Narendra Modi. I think he is doing a reasonably good job for his state.
But I dont think he should have visited Mumbai at such a critical time.
There is no security at CST and all the NSG soldiers are protecting these politicans, when we are not even sure whether there are more terrorist around in the city.
And giving money to a Soldier’s wife? I mean, she deserves a lot more repect then that. She is the country’s responsiblity and Narendra Modi is donating money to her. Was that money out of his pocket?
You want a leader, ( muslim propaganda aside )
Narendra Modi is the future prime minister of India.
Why ?
He delivers 11% growth rate
He delivers on girl child education
He delivers in wealth, economic and job creation
He delivers on roads, electricity and infrastructure building.
He delivers on capacity, industry, education, knowledge building programs.
He delivers in reducing corruption
He delivers in eradicating red tape babu lok bureaucracy
He delivers a new geo political paradigm with an India- China united. ( China openly supports Modi )
He delivers India’s first dalit backward caste prime minister
He delivers a rise from the ashes story
Modi is an enigma,
Larger than life,
He will transform the Indian economy,
Horrendous as it turned out to be, I have a strong suspicion that this terrorist attack was a botched effort.
With the preparations and the amount of firepower, the real plan seems to be a bigger havoc on Dec 6 (Babari Masjid day). But somewhere along the line, either the plan was abandoned or hit a roadblock.
Though the damage was still enormous, what we saw was more of a botched attempt by some desperate renegades. Imagine what it could have been if the terrorists had been able to carry out their bigger plan? Our defences would still have been as useless.
We like to blame our leaders but honestly, how many of us do our jobs with a sense of purpose and responsibility? That is the root cause of our weakness. A police constable looking the other way is as guilty as the PM of the country, as is a person who does not pay due taxes. “There is no bigger defence than right conduct”.
Like many who have commented before me, I belive that Mr. Narendra Modi is the right man to deliver the much needed change to India.
There is one question in the subject line ‘ Are there terrorists still walking around Mumbai ?’
And I would say…YES, and not only in Mumbai but all over India, in every nook and corner of this land and they are watching, observing, analyzing, planning, executing and also get successful and then leave this great nation of intellectuals and braves, wondering, discussing and questioning each other…..How did it happen and when next? But never execute. Thats what they are and thats what India is.
I regret the unsucesful efforts of the parliament attack which martyred only poor jawans, and not the political leaders who actually are the culprits…..Guru still is fed with special wazwan inside the Indian Jail, knowing very well that he would never be hanged coz he is a terrorist and not from the defence.
India never learns from its past, not even the recent past. It just re-creates history, the gruesome part of the history and always finds others head to put the blames.
I am just waiting for that “common man of Wednesday” to walk on the streets of India and take the lead. May be, you could be that or may be I.
Namrata is dreaming… of a common man walking and taking the lead. These things keep repeating themselves due to our typical ‘chalta hai’ attitude. It is not the spirit of Mumbai as they wish to put it but the callous indifference of us indians. We should have hung this traitor Afzal Guru without any publicity just as Indira did to Maqbool butt 25 years ago. It is not too late, snuff the life out of this terrorist and let Pakistan know we mean Business. Can we? How I miss this Iron Lady, Pakistan would never have wagged the tail if she still was around.
yeah same “Like many who have commented before me, I belive that Mr. Narendra Modi is the right man to deliver the much needed change to India.”
It’s a nice sharing, thank you.
It’s a nice sharing, thank you.
thank you
God bless Mumbai. Keep away the bad souls and the wicked minds.
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