Over 120 killed, more than 300 injured, decorated officers sacrificed, raging fires, random shootings, hotels and hospitals under siege…yes Mumbai is burning in hell; this is indeed the city’s, no in fact the nation’s, darkest night, our very own ‘Harveys’ have died fighting to save the city. I had never thought of this even in my worst nightmares.
Should I talk about ‘intelligence failures’ or ‘government inability’ or the ‘inefficient terror laws’ or the lack of unity amongst the leaders of the nation? Should I talk about Mumbai’s ‘spirit’ of getting back at its feet? Should I talk about the dastardly act which the whole world is condemning? I don’t know I don’t want to blame people, but question everyone. I don’t want to talk about “in hind sight we could have done this, this should have been done, why was the security not up to the mark...”. This is not the time to blame or cry on spilt milk. The citizens cannot pick up their lives and go on with it with every attack. Not being safe in your own country can’t become the norm. This is not the spirit Mumbai would be proud of; to sweep attacks under the carpet and pretend nothing happened. I pretty much believe this is not just me speaking, an individual, but the voice of all citizens. What is it that the country can do to protect it? Definitely not something an individual can come up with overnight in a blog, I will not and am not capable to do so (how much ever I wish I could). This attack is not about south Mumbai being under siege, it’s about how vulnerable the whole city is, and no one can be considered safe. The attack is not targeted at the common man or the upper echeleons of the city, but it drives home the point that no matter who you are, you cannot step out of the house and be sure of coming back alive. Considering all that happened and as we speak is happening, there is a lot that needs to be done for the future. What hurts me a lot is the blame game and irresponsible behavior shown by people that still continues despite the attack on the nation. Is it necessary for politicians to raise issues about intelligence failures or talk about nincompoop terror laws and human rights issues? Do they have to make a show of sympathy at the very spot where operations are still on, straining the police and the military resources even more? Yes, general elections are scheduled for next year, and this is too ripe a situation to let go, but is that all they care about? The media running for news bites, relaying all information to the public with no concern about what is responsible at this time or not. Is there any realization that the terrorists also have access to the information being shown on the TV? Is it necessary to give out details about the strategy, the floors sanitized, how many columns of the military are present? Getting citizens to send photos, videos from inside the Taj while the operations are on? What good is coming out of all this? Are the TRPs higher than the responsibility the media has on their heads. Terror laws…yes they need to be strict. There are a lot of angles which need to be considered in a democratic state because of the checks needed to balance power. Is it time to move into an autocratic rule where power needs to be wielded as and when necessary? Can’t the politicians come together and act responsible for the nation once?? It is high time the leaders of the nation do their duty rising above the party lines and power scrambles. A genuine, sincere effort is needed to bring in laws which give more power to the military and take a zero tolerance stand. If this means curbing the public’s freedom, I agree, it is better to be alive and safe than enjoy pseudo-freedom. Training the police with better ways to handle hostage situations, more funding to provide bullet proof jackets and armor that would hold against the sophisticated machinery of the terrorists, identifying weaknesses in the security program...I don’t know…definitely more than all this is required. I know it is a daunting task protecting not just the city but also the nation. Just looking at Mumbai, how much can you control the coastline, the entry-exit points by road, rail and air? Keeping tabs everywhere is a magnanimous task, but what other preventive measures can be taken? I don’t know. I hope and pray something feasible can be thought of to counteract all creative ideas that the terrorists can come up with. I don’t know what powers I have as a citizen, but to voice my concern and get my voice heard. I don’t know whether the spirit of Mumbai is about resignation and moving on or about fighting back and saving and protecting your city. I don’t know what is in store in the future of the city and the nation but I pray that sensibility prevails and God listens to my prayers and makes the country strong and united against this terror. I don’t even know whether this post will make its way through the decision makers and create an impact. This is what I think I can do and hence I shall. Links: mumbai-burns-under-yet-another
It was a night just like anyother. And then it stood alone
| 
). So Poor guy decides to leave without them and go drinking with someone. I give the keys to that someone and he decides to continute the prank even further. He says, let me get this guy totally wasted and then I will give them back to him. (lol..I am glad I wouldn't have been in front of him when he would have found out...heeeheeee). I make Poor Guy send an email to our Google group, make him run around hypervent some more and finally unfold the mystery. Had a good time doing all this. Funny thing is the prank was started by A, I took over and then Poor Guy's friend extended what I did and the Good thing is Poor Guy took it really well and turned out to be a great sport.