Ab to Jago

India is listed as second most terror affected country after Iraq.

The terror attacks in Mumbai were a real shock and at the same time an eye opener for the whole system. The terrorists have done their homework well and we were caught napping. The system as a whole was a failure but the ordinary people have emerged as real winners.

These terror attacks exposed the vulnerability of our politicians who instead of showing some grace were busy making whimsical comments. The handful of terrorist with a sack of ammunition and arms hold the Mumbai, the financial hub of India to ransom. Why our intelligence was not able to gather and share information more effectively? Why the hotel management did not pay attention to the warning of terror attack by Intelligence bureau? Why the ATS was not properly equipped to fight the terrorists? I hope this time govt is not just busy in setting up committees and passing bills but is taking some concrete actions.

The MEDIA totally lacked the sensitivity in handling such delicate issue. Channels were engaged in spreading rumors, making the whole event look all the more horrible and dramatic, revealing important information before the operation was completed; the list goes on and on.

But the good part is that the people were united. The terrorists may have got the world-wide attention by causing such havoc but the other motive of propagating hatred, communal riots was totally unsought.

I salute the NSG (National Security Guards)for their courage. And also the ordinary citizens who were busy helping the victims of terrorism without considering the personal risk involved.

Vishnu Datta Ram Zende used the public-address system at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai’s largest railway station to guide and direct the travelers towards the safer exit when shootout began. The terrorists located him and fired a shot at him but he was unhurt.

The other two places where terrorists attacked Taj and Oberoi, staff members tried their best to rescue the guests safely from the hotel.

Though system has awaken, various steps are being taken and announced by our new Home Minister, but still the incidents from Chandigarh and Goa brings us face to face with the reality. The traffic cops in these places are accepting the money to let anybody pass through the check-post.

Goa has been worst hit by Mumbai terrorism. The global meltdown has already reduced the tourist inflow and now the terror attack is casting the spell on the tourism industry. Last week I was in Goa and could feel the blue.There were only one-third tourist of what was when I last visited goa three years back,(during the same dates in December) . It was bustling with the activity then. One of the shopkeeper said “Dec and Jan are finished for us.”

Let’s stay united and tell these terrorists that they have failed in their mission to divide us. Let's keep our system ready for anything. We have to be prepared as terrorists are not going to rest. Prevention is better than cure. So let's not loose the track again. The journey against terrorism has begun.....