Mumbai Terror Attack...will we ever be rid of terror?

The Mumbai Terror Attack on the 26th of November was a hugely poignant moment for all Indians. As a person who has spent over 2 years as a denizen of that city before returning to Delhi last year, I was stung with the pain, fear and anger my fellow-countrymen in that city would have felt. But this is not just about Mumbai. It was an attack on the fabric of the nation itself. Our house was impregnated, our brethren (Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jews… everyone) were killed, our pride was dented, and our confidence in our national security system & Indian polity was shattered. It is time indeed to rethink what we, as a nation, want to become – a mourning victim of such perpetual attacks, or a steadfast voice that not just condemns such barbaric acts, but is ready to fight them.

Enough has already been said in news channels, newspapers, blogs, and there are many initiatives – from candlelight vigils to angry protest marches – undertaken by various organizations & groups that have just been formed out of common bonding arising as an after-taste of these attacks and the political response that we’ve witnessed from all parties. At least one thing binds all our political parties finally – they’re all alike in inaction, cowardice, opportunism, one-upmanship and contempt of the people who vote them to power. We, the ordinary citizen, are scum of the earth for them.

If a lipstick-powder wearing woman is not the voice of this nation, then why do they seek them out when it is time to ask for votes? If the family of a martyred soldier is not worthy of a visit by a dog, why should people at such or even lower levels (and I consider myself of a lower level than a martyred soldier) be called for election meetings and told why they are so loved by a politician seeking their mandate? And why should the widow of an officer, who was tormented & condemned for his investigating the role of a particular community in spreading terror, be offered more money than most of us can earn in a lifetime? Just so she keeps quiet at the horrible attitude and apathy of the political masters, and the same politicians who were baying for the officer’s (her husband’s) blood even on the day he was killed by the terrorists, masquerade as caring humans who stand by this nation’s martyrs, and reap political gains on his bloodied, bullet-ridden, dead body. And why should the Chief Minister of the state under the bloodiest attack, organize terror-tourism-treks for his kith & kin, rather than work aggressively towards ensuring that our police & forces are armed to the teeth to not just counter such attacks, but to stop them in their infancy.

I could have used euphemism instead of the strong words that I just used for describing the deeds of our politicians, but while they may sound good, they would be unjust and hollow. The anger in the common man this time is too deep and too unforgiving. And our politicians must awake, arise, and act. Finally, as people who are our representatives and not our masters. For they come from us, the common people. Otherwise, the government of the people, by the people, for the people, will just become a phrase that sounds good, but means nothing. The politicians have to finally put aside their differences and do something positive – not for their sake… but for our sake, our nation’s sake.

Will that happen; I do not know. Will this fizzle out as the candle-light finally fades out; I hope not. But I guess the patience of the people has been tested enough, and maybe this is the catalyst that is going to change things forever.

As I end this note, I am reminded of some lines that I had written in 1984 after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. I reproduce them below.

"Give me a home where no terrorists roam"

Give me a home
Where no terrorists roam
And the kids can play
On the streets all day

No firing, no gun shots
No killing of tiny tots
No fear in the air
No mothers in despair

No murders in religion’s name
Let’s not make life easy game
Guns are not anyone’s toy
Funerals don’t bring anyone joy

Does it matter which God I pray
Does your God hate mine, I say
Is your blood’s colour different than mine
Is your prayer and temple more divine

So, why are we all fighting each other
And killing one another’s son and brother
Is this what you really call freedom of choice
Where only one religion can have a voice

Let’s make our country, our home a beautiful place
Where peacefully can reside human race
And all of us can live together in peace
May I have my paradise back, please

Give me a home
Where no terrorists roam
And the kids can play
On the streets all day

Oh! Give me a home
Where no terrorists roam
And the kids can play
On the streets all day