Mumbai’s 26/11 Part Deux

Another series of blasts, many died, even more got injured. It’s just another day for us Mumbaikars. I got the news while I was going back from work and was stuck in a traffic jam. When I came to know about all this, I was just thinking about getting home as soon as possible. I started calling my friends in all parts of the city just to make sure. But suddenly all the networks were jammed. Anyways I got home and a miracle happened. I got through to my parents on the first dial. Told them I was fine and at home. Then again started calling up everyone. Thankfully was able to contact them.

All the news channels were beaming the pictures, getting accounts from the witnesses. Some of what the eye-witnesses to the blast said was horrifying. I would never want to be caught in such a situation. I thanked God that everyone I know was fine.

This time around, the reaction was swift. The police and ambulances were at ground zero (3 in this case) within 15 mins of the blast. All the eye-witnesses praised the police in dealing with the situation. They must have been good. They are not praised that often. The official statements were coming in at regular intervals always increasing the death and injury toll. But atleast there were statements! The emergency numbers were being flashed continuously. People were asked to maintain calm and stay at home.

I am glad that we can have such quick reactions. It’s better than the last time. But why do such instances take place again and again. In Mumbai’s case, once every two years. We never seem to be able to stop them. But kudos to the Mumbai police for swinging into action so soon.

Now, moving on to the political reactions. Every politician worth his bread and butter “CONDEMNED” the attacks. The word is fast becoming the most over-used word in the case of terrorist attacks in India. For that matter, even Pakistan CONDEMNED the blasts. Yeah, even PAKISTAN uses this word! So, anyways from the Prime minister to the taluka head of a remote village in the middle of nowhere, “CONDEMNED” these blasts and promised a detailed investigation into the blasts. They all promised to bring the culprits who did this heinous act of terror to justice and keep them as an honourary guest at our prisons and keep them happy for the rest of their lives. They said as it is the tax payers money is going to be eaten by us the politicians, may as well include these guests of state. Prime example – Kasab. Futhermore, the political brass was quick to add that they worry about how we live our life and not our lives. They have already embarked to make a rule to ban holding hands anywhere in public. They were quick to add that increasing the drinking age to 25 was the first step in constructing a better future as the current generation is so immature. Maybe, that’s why we keep voting for dumbasses like you! Get off your asses, do something useful with your time. Instead of increasing the drinking age, maybe give a lot more time and attention to internal security. You won’t be able to tell the people how to live their lives if there aren’t any left around.

I know the above para sounds like a Rant and it is a rant. I am sick and tired of politicians “COMDEMNING” the attacks. If we do compare USA and India on this scale, after 9/11, USA no terrorist attacks. India: every now and then. The apathy shown in such cases is appalling. There’s always the detailed investigation and even if someone is caught finally, they are treated like royalty.

I don’t know what will shake the Political class out of its present indifference to the common man’s life. Mumbai will be back on it’s feet AGAIN! Life goes on here. We “MOVE ON”. How many times do we have to “MOVE ON? It seems only God knows the answer to that question.

Keep safe everyone!

P.S: Yesterday according to some reports was Kasab's B'day. Go figure....