About: Bitter memories of 26/11

A week and four years have gone past, some memories of continues to hunt. It is simplistic saying Pakistan send a few terrorist. The Police was quick in denying an insiders hands. its too simplistic. Things don't simply seem to be true,sum of the parts fall woefully short of the complete picture. You can spin conspiracies theory but lives were lost and the city subtly would never be the same again. It wont reflect in four years and a week but we all know it. It's changed not for the good following this planned attacks, at least this time.

There were three posts written around that time focus on what happened, I look back at it with a feeling of numbness and dismay. Please feel free to read those.

1. Blog: Maximum terrorised city.

2. Blog: The Darkest hour.

3. Blog: In tough times.

This is just a tiny little attempt to pay homage to my people who died in action to save the citizens and city.

Blog: Another blasts another blog

Another set of blasts another blog. Its not the last sets of blasts that will ever be reported from Mumbai. The city being the center of finance, commerce, flash bulbs, fast moving trains and slow moving traffic. Big money and discarded coins find sleep in the same street. A blast in Mumbai serves more than one purpose, besides grabbing headlines. It underscores our lack of will and staying committed to not address the issue and keep it pending for one more time, till the next blasts. The countdown for next blasts has just begun.

This is all so very disgusting. It is a shameful actually, As a citizen of India we must accept that our live has worth less than that of fodder of equal weight. I mean people can dare to plan to execute us and then do what they want, knowing of repercussion, we carry this witch hunt, catch a few people, and keep the court cases running on Duracell batteries, which last forever. I am not sure of those cases running on Duracell batteries but Indian court cases especially criminal ones last longer then what Duracell into Durex can last. If we have to be a proud nation we have to be something to be proud of besides age old history, for now its vulnerability, anguish and disgust that I am proud of. I hope its temporary.

These kind of acts of terror should have stringent, potent and time bound deterrent. It should come from our law makers to stand up and make the punishment so harsh that people have to think twice before carrying out such cheap war mongering. There is no one who can predict such bizarre events. But could you say for sure that there is no support on the ground, and no one knew about it. It is too incredible to lie low and believe like an ostrich and bury ur heads in dust hoping that the troubles will just go away.

I increasingly believe that the foreign hand often blamed after every such attack has to have an Indian glove or an Indian mind. There are more than one sources of this terrorism with in the country and off course internationally. This synergy for this terror agenda is across time zones and socio-religious beliefs. The motive this time is not only to repulse.

The other facet of the story.

The Congress let government is increasingly under pressure due to all the corruption cases which bring to light the Congress Governments intention and ability to mislead and rule. The divide and rule policy seems to make a turn for the ugly. Its too early too take a call, but there are so many things that we may never know. One thing if for sure there would be a few cases that would be conveniently swept under the carpet in the din of these blasts.

I don’t think much will change. I would really turn skeptic is they do. The posts written on previous Bomb Blasts can be reviewed here on this link, provided you have the patience to read through. Its amazing how the same set of thoughts emerge and same kind of moods prevail when same unfourtunate events happen.

Blog: Do Lives move on?

For the moment, my twitter account and FB updates are eating into my blogger account, I managed to sync, twitter and FB so these days blogs are seldom happening, meanwhile FB status updates and tweets are riding the crescent of the wave so to speak (read update). As wheel of time has moved on, an year has gone by since the dreaded 26 November 2008. I managed to watched some documentaries on Nat Geo and Discovery, and felt cold blood running through my veins and I gnawed and ground my teeth in utter frustration and dismay at what I heard and saw on the TV set. I mean yes people attacked, and there are a courageous few who stood up in the faced of death. Not many would remember there names, but a few lives were forced to change their course forever.

Personally for me the following have no proof, but I consider these as refutable.

• It wasn’t an act of terror; it was an act of War.
• Mumbai in spite of being in most vulnerable didn’t not learn from the past and rather chose to remain stoic.
• I simply cannot believe there were no intelligent inputs, ground support for the shams which were perpetrated.
• Bullet has no name; people of all kind were struck down, no ones safe.
• Our Police Laws which were supposedly framed in 1860 (A.D.) and consequently remained unchanged for what seems to be forever need a major re-haul ASAP.
• No one is accountable - police, politicians, pot holes.
• R.R Patil came back to become the Home Minister, iss des mein aisi chhoti naatein hamesha hoti rahengi.
• I and you need to look at ourselves and define our (Mine and Your) role in the society.
• I am not sure who is guilty of what, but I am beginning to feel the guilt of a shameful citizen.

There is another thing which am I truly misunderstand, the stance of every scribe and anyone with a mic in his hand and camera on his face screeching the resilience, and all that noise, exclaiming how the city has moved on and how it simply won't bow to anyone, etc. I mean as if there is a choice. I guess not, whatever happens life just moves on and we should take the cue. Simply not done. One more question to ponder, if News Channels now, are more entertainment then information. Considering some news channels are just alive because of sites like Youtube etc, I prefer to look at the source itself. Blogs are updated faster while it takes time to copy those and mutilate them and turn them to feeds for News Channels.

A line from the movie Patriot come to my mind, "Why should I trade one tyrant 3000 miles away for 3000 tyrants one mile away?"  

26 November placed a scar in my mind. The ill preparation, casual lack of purpose and deeds of people in post responsibilities hurt me more than misdeeds of Commandos who posed as terrorists.

Second Edit

Got this pic from Amul's website.

Blog: In tough times.

It happens only in India. India is unique in context to our neighbours. But I am sure this “context” is not limited to the neighbours alone or for that matter the entire sub-continent. India tends to be resembling a seed of an ever green tree, the deeper you bury it, the stronger the roots and tastier the fruits, the greener the leaves. India’s democracy along with all the whims of corruption, political imbroglio, Pakistani (the state not the people) sponsored, inspired, supported, funded, trained terrorism and acts of terrors and crime against humanity, but it remains a blossoming economy, thriving cultural melting pot and strengthening democracy. Its here the various neighbours pale down in the spectrum of colours which India represents. China seems to have all things in control, but then their human rights are under dark cover and red tape of communism. Pakistan, well under the circumstances and tide of time, less said the better. Bangladesh is slowly breeding ground of rogue preachers, who bring a continuous embarrassment to Muslims world over especially Muslims in India who want to be earning their livelihood in peace and fearless environment. They too are victims of terror.

If you point a finger at someone …

The other three fingers point back at you. I don’t think our track record is a clean state in Jammu and Kashmir. But Jammu and Kashmir is a unique problem for which all the parties involved namely India and Pakistan want a solution. The possible step could for India to scrap Article 370 in the Indian Constitution. Let us follow the true principle of democracy, whereby everyone gets equal rights rather Special Rights or Special Privileges. Let brethren in Jammu and Kashmir also share the burden of the beast. We have to make people realize that nothing comes for free someone pays for what you earn.

Abolishment of Article 370 is the first step of allowing peace and harmony to return to the valley. There are encouraging signs; one of these is the phenomenal turn out in the state elections. Hurriyat by not participating it are obviously walking on treaded lines come from their head quarters in Islamabad. It also proves that they foresee and favour an autocratic or a quasi-democratic setup. I wonder what kept the Hurriyat away from not contesting election if they are the (only) “true” representative of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

If you looking to improve or change you need to look in the mirror and look yourself in the eye and say it I am not good enough but I can be better if I agree with myself that I need to change something to improve. I am afraid we Indians are either too embarrassed or too reluctantly to pick up that mirror and look ourselves in the eye.

The three fingers are …

Judiciary, Polity and Beauracracy. You ask we what’s left. I mean look at it this way the laws governing our Police are nearly 150 years old, dating back to 1861 A.D. . . . I didn’t know how many other laws are there which we are suppose to follow which are more than 50 years. Come on people, there has to be a rethink? I think it’s high time.

You know why hasn’t it changed or likely to remain the same? It gives our politicians feudal powers to mutilate manipulate and abuse the system. Why does Mayawati need 350 policemen? Why are we allowing criminals to run for elections? These guys have criminal case pending against them.

Judiciary need to be strengthened. Why should we debate about human rights of a terrorist? He is a mad rabid dog and put away so that society can live in peace. I know law must take its own course but I think it’s your responsibility to ensure the course is direct and not meandering.

Beauraucracy and Polity seem to saving each other arse from time to time, I think people there too need to be told that you must stand for the system and not other wise.

Where are the other fingers and toes pointing?

Hi Raj Thackeray where have you been? I think Raj Thackeray and people who follow him should be exiled out of Maharashtra and not even allowed 200 kms to the state boundaries. He has been a rogue trying to gain political mileage but dividing society. Our media claims to be holy and pure. If media claims to be a part of society then it shouldn’t claiming holier than thou rhetoric. I think 24 hours news channels and media house promoting these channels, I mean it is good to feed off information. But these news channels are more of hype, and propagating negative vibes and sentiments. The news is everything sensationalist and cipher sensible. Moreover they are not showing what we want to see instead they are showing what they want us to see. There are enough emails floating around the pull the rug below there feet. I think that’s why I love BBC. They give u the news and then they have loads of information to learn and understand and educate.

The positive of terror strikes.

The terrorist strike has exposed a few elements in more than a compromising position.

The likes Shivraj Patil who live each day by either barter or kill their conscience.

The likes of Vilasrao Deshmukh who just want to stick their seats no matter if there are a time bomb planted below the seat.

The likes of Narayan Rane and Chaggan Bhubal, who just want to hog limelight and leap frog to a post of munching money and spreading corruption.

The people who debated over a week whether to fire Vilasrao Deshmukh.

The people like you and me who stay divided and fragmented, we are a country belonging people to come and attack us that’s how the Barbers,Ghaznavis,Abdalis,Temurs and others who came, that’s how British ruled.

The political dismay and bigotry that we are forced to chose.The ugly, obese and heavy beer belly if the Neta-Thulla-Babu

It is time we learn the crude chapter of our history and don’t slip over the banana skin again.

Raj Thackery majjhi Mumbai needs you, where art thou?

Song: Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa ...

Blog: The Darkest hour

I firmly believe that its between 4 AM (night for many) and 5 AM is when the nights the coldest, darkest and most haunting. As I write this NSG still doing combing operations in at The Taj Mahal Hotel. As the Gate Way of India stands eyewitness to another wave of violence. I hope that they Gate Way of India also stands tall and mighty as ever and eventually becomes Hell Way for terrorist. These include not only the people who sprayed bullets but also people who trained them, showed them the way by telling them, how. It shall also stand witness to people who laid their lives and strengthen the roots of India.

While we may cry for the mute Gate Way of India and Crown Prince of Indian hotels, The Taj. The self appointed saviours of the city may not have looked in the mirrors,if they were too the mirror would have shattered to pieces from shame. These guys have still to come out and see what happens when you stack integrity of the Nation for a few seats in Parliament, so that it fuels business - of bemoaning for local citizen.
Raj Thackeray has chosen to be mum over this issue, seems to have taken leave of absence when not expected. The NSG guys are fighting terror in confines of Taj. The terror plot wouldn't be at a better time following the frenzy Raj Thackeray and the ruling government whipped and then bought the city to a halt.You too have added your two cents in the pyre of martyrs.

India continues to be the net importer of Terror and Violence while our neighbours are continuously building upon infrastructure and over hauling designing, plots, machinery and minds into new methods of warfare. I wont be surprised if terrorist have some connection with the Pakistani Army. I think the time is write to call Pakistan's bluff,advance in Jammu and Kashmir and weed out ISI and terror outfits. If it means intervention in the region then so be it. At least we will know and be prepared with who we are engaging to a battle.

The terror plots thus hatched also expose many blunders that we have in your system. I know Terrorist have no face but they do have arms and legs and mind. I think the worst are people who remain tacit and quiet when they need to come out and pledge support to the Nation. Such a meticulous operation has to involve people in our own country. The attack may have been planned for months now.In 1993 serial bomb blast case, there were lots of people in the government machinery that help carried out the blasts. This time it isnt too different either.

I hope the dawn breaks soon and the darkest hour dispels. One day, may be we  People will dream of a Nation for all and not of regions for few.

About: Bomb Blasts

"A society which gives up a little liberty to obtain a little security, doesn't deserves either, nor gets both."

- Benjamin Franklin.

I think our ethos, freedom and independence is at stake.

Am I the next victim?

Whens the next bomb blast?

Blog: Sorry state of affairs.

I felt sorry all of the weekend and then Monday followed, the reasons were various, yes India lost the test match, it has been raining virtually non stop and I don’t remember when I last saw the Sun perhaps it was early last week. The worst thing perhaps was the serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahemdabad. I must be thankful to God that Surat did not face an untoward incident.

I have a soft corner for all the three cities; have cousins and friends dwelling in Ahemdabad and Bangalore. I lived in Surat for three years still have very caring friends who call/mail almost every second day since I moved back to Mumbai and it is a lovely city for foodies. The city  of Surat has great sense of joy and casualty. It is laid back city with people flaunting money but not in a derogatory way. The climate is really pleasant for better part of the year. The evenings are great in the sense that there is a gentle breeze that flows after sunset and people line to back alleys for junk food. It would have been a rude shock to host of lovely people. The floods which I saw there was one of the worst natural disaster anyone would wish to see.

Terror and Globalization.

The crude terror is perhaps side effect or cons of globalization. The whole thing of terrorism balances the pros of Globalization. The pros are many so are the cons. I don’t want to list the pros of globalization as off now, I wish to highlight the cons.

The pros of globalization helped set up huge international business centres like, London, New York, Mumbai, Madrid. A lot of people will associate these cities with top business opportunities that these cities have to offer. The cons of globalization also find the reasons appealing but in a different sense to people who have lost it all (here senses). All the cities that I have mentioned have been through the trauma due to terrorist activities. Mumbai serial blasts, the earliest being March 93, the latest they say 11 July. Madrid and London have had there dark dates with the cons of globalizing forces.

Local taxes extra.

Another feature of this is localization of terrorism. The ISI or the unwanted, malicious International interests now seems to have gone local with their agenda. It may be business outsourcing of a different kind and appreciation of the local talent in a different way. The last thing to say is that the principle directives continues to pour in from beyond the Indian borders. The black money is assisting the activities, no more difficult to handle RDX seeming replaced by easier available Ammonium Nitrate which is nothing but a substance used as a base in making fertilizers, India being an agrarian country and fertilizers being subsidized; transportation and procurement of this is not something too difficult for these guys. I would like you to read columns by B Raman on Rediff. I did read what he had to write.

The three musketeers.

There is an obvious participation by Indian systems as well. The “system” meaning the “neta-babu-thulla” nexus. Neta is a politician/local criminal, Babu is an epitome of a corrupt bureaucrat in the government and thulla is a paan chewing, chillar hunting policeman. There is nothing that should be unknown to at least one of the pillars of the system. As the three have close watch on the neighbour hood there is a radical change required. The sooner the better.

I mean is it so easy to even plan and execute such acts? Has there to be a political consensus in how to deal with terrorism? I say before the terrorist attack the next time, start dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistani Kashmir bomb it, burn it hammer it to stone age. The perpetrators of attacks on Parliament should be nabbed sooner rather than later.

What if that too?

The attacks now include public transport and hospitals. I mean they people law cant maintain its own course anymore because terrorism both religious and regional is gaining ground fast. The tier two cities namely Bangalore, Ahemdabad Jaipur, Benares are now on the list, Mumbai is always there. The bombs hat didn’t went off in Surat and even in Ahemdabad and Bangalore for good or would have been a more sorry state of affairs.

What to do?

Go local with administration the lowest babu should be made responsible and accountable along with the other two pillars. The laws should be tougher. The emphasis should be on both restricting terrorist activities and making sure the person responsible doing these acts when caught should not be insulated by politics in the name or region or religion. The justice should be upheld in letter and spirit. It is time to take a tough stand. The Indians who support terrorist activities should face the heat.

If the survival of the fittest means weeding out the vitriolic, so be it.

About: Mumbai blast.

Present:
I went to work yesterday so took an off today and sat around wonder if life is as complex as we think it is? Should we really think as to what life will unfold rather than wait for things to happen? Should we respond instinctively when things happen or should we also think when we have to act instinctively?
I prefer keeping thoughs and my life simple.I think thats one of the reason keeping this blog free of colours and keeping it simple in black and white. It is around 11 I start o rewrite this blog as the attempt before faced an unforced error which saw a blog being closed down as I was just done with the start to the blog. The office hours rightfully spare me enough time and space required to blog so I thought before I find to sit and grid my thoughts again let me post this one. The post on the vacillating Share Bazaar or the Sensex is still in the deep freeze of thoughts.
It will be a week of the unfortunate event and we still haven't seen anything which seems claming.

येह बम्बई शैहेर हादसो का शैहेर है |

Believe it or not there is a song from one of the Hindi movies.I don't know who wrote this sog or when was it written and educate guess seems to hint an era of mid/late eighties when gangs were really gangs and not corporates and political parties, murders were result of gang wars and public turned a blind eye.So much so for the above track.


To the point.
There are innumerous points that can be the possible reason for the attacks which took place.I have been the part of great city while growing up so this isn't coming from anyone who hasn't seen the face of the city "long enough". There are some which crossed my mind these are some of the things which anyone get if answers the questions like why? when? whom? where? what? and how?

Mumbai is a deprived, ignored city from the "Centre's" of politics.

The city is unfourtunate rater than resilient.

Those who say city's infrastructure is crumbling seem to living in an Utopia.

The city's infrastrucute namely roads and railways have crumbled.

The people of the city some how manage to keep it running.

The politicians i.e MLA's of the state and MP's in the center have not done enough to win the trust of it's citizen.

It is a personal opnion but the city of Mumbai is the only cosmopolitan city in the country, other cities are regional centers and feel threatened to shove off the regional tag.

There is no regional bias among the citizens of Mumbai.

The other cities are coming up fast but still to catch up the "cosmopolitan" nature of the city.

The public have to come out and lend voices to thoughts.

Did the citizens of Mumbai have any other option other then picking up the pieces and getting on with life?

All the Neta's at large is promoting seggregation.

The city has been sold for the sake of greed of power and money.

The people who executed the plan might be nabbed but the one's responsible might not be even frammed.

The case of 93 bomb blast goes on , I don't think anyone is even convicted.

India's political impotency in the region is also a major cause of concern.

What would the Government do if the people of Mumbai were to call of a city wide strike for a week, where everything grinds to halt?

Name a kilometer span of "roads free potholes" (due pun intended)

The radio service in the city is brilliant.

Mumbai city should be a Special Economic zone.

The city is so vast and so dense that even a minute incident is likely to affects thousands.

The "public" machinery has answers to all their faults but no solutions to redeem them.

The power brokers are busy in broking shares.

It is a commercial capital, money flows along with sweat, tears and blood.

The media claims of resilience of the city is nothing but trying to create harmony from broken drums.

It is time to get into action and strike the hell out of those blood sucking ticks.

The Center and the State leaderships are too weak.

The state of Maharashtra is in shambles.

The city is likely to face an exodus sooner rather then later. I think the trend is already under-way.

Bottom line.
There have been many songs about the city, which one of those can you think of at this moment?