It was the day that will be written in red letters in the history, a day when India and all the things she stand for was attacked.
I still distinctively remember the day. As always after my work, I took the break at 9 PM for my supper and also to relax before getting back and working late into the night. I was enjoying some English movie in either Star Movies or HBO. In the breaks, I would browse the English News channels for the latest news. By about 10.15 PM the first report started coming in of shoot outs in several parts of Mumbai. At first it was speculated that it might be inter gang revelry that may be the cause of the shoot out. But as time went by, it became increasingly clear that this was no ordinary day and the shoot out was part of the most dastardly and the most terrifying acts of terrorists attacks in Indian history.Mumbai was under attack.
I was worried sick about my near and dear at Mumbai and immediately in Mumbai. Most of them were not aware about the ensuing attack as it was late and most had turned in for the night. As the night progressed, the real extent of the attack came to light. The horrific images of the TAJ burning still lingers in my memory. I got up early next day and was glued to the TV for the most of the day, even in court phoning home to know the latest news. The sound of the guns from inside the TAJ still lingers in my ear. The operation at NARIMAN house and the dramatic rescue of little Moshe by the servant are all vivid in my memory. After 60 hrs of gun battle, when the last of the terrorists was liquidated, a flow of pride for our mother land and her brave children in uniform swept India. India was changed for ever.
But now the big question is have we learnt from our mistakes and taken remedial actions? It is our short coming that we do not learn from our mistakes. India was attacked so many times, The Akshardham carnage, The attack in Parliament. Each time there is a hue and cry. But we conveniently forget the incident until the next attack take place. Why is that there is such lagging in taking necessary steps? United States after 9/11 has taken such successful steps that no untoward incident has ever been reported again. But why is that India could not do the same.
URGENT STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN
India need to take some urgent steps to cure our illness. The first is to create a department of homeland security, carving the same from the already stretched home ministry. Such department will help in streamlining the internal security apparatus. Intelligence need to be beefed up with induction of local eyes and also electronic resources. India also needs to train local police in Counter Terrorism operations so that the NSG can be less stretched. A state alone or two or more states combined can develop crack Anti- Terrorism/Hijack commando force in line of NSG with ample training and also be equipped with the latest gadgets, weapons and also backed by resources for quick mobilisation and deployment. NSG should remain as the ultimate strike force. Greater synergy between the central, state and other forces including Intelligence agencies is required.
We cannot have another such attack. It is time to sit up and take curative actions and make our country impenetrable. Remember our nation is strong and no power should be allowed to challenge that. In the end let us take a movement to remember those who have lost their lives in Mumbai. Let us pray for the well being of their near and dear and also for their soul. Let us remember the ultimate sacrifice made by our brothers and sisters in uniform for our motherland and her children.
VANTE MATHRAM
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