Given the sequence of numbers: 1993, 2002, 2003, 2006,
2008, and 2011. What would be the next number? The answer would be ANY TIME.
These are the years of the terrorist attack on the heart of India’s
Commercial Capital, Mumbai.
I was very young, when the first serial bomb blasts took place
and My Uncle was furlong away from the Zaveri Bazaar blast. The panic at home
was evident till the safety call from my uncle was received and we breathed a
sigh of relief when my Uncle reached home from Mumbai. I was too little to
understand the implications and the fear there of. 15 years later, living in
such a moment is one of the most nightmares of my life. The implications are
understood and the fear I lived in will last forever. 26/11 – Mention the
date and I can visualize those terrifying
moments. With rumors around saying
the terrorists are roaming in the streets of Mumbai and traveling in those
streets to reach office to fix an issue would be the most bravest thing that I
have ever done till date
Call it Luck by Chance, an invitation to visit VT for
shopping on the uneventful fatal day from my Uncle was rejected. Thinking of the acceptance of the invitation
and the possible outcome would be a mere speculation and only God Knows what
would have happened. Finally, Visit to the Mangal Das market, Crawford market happened
after nearly 4 years when I went there recently, a week before Diwali. Walking
through those streets where the gun fight took place made me ponder over the
events that took place on that fateful day. Those were the moments of reckoning
and the scars can never be erased.
Those 4 days of fight converted the chaotic Mumbai in to war
zone with gun shots heard over the Taj Hotel and the Media personnel making a
beeline to cover the live event.
Visualizing those fire at the Hotel, made me to conclude that The Taj Hotel
would succumb and the magnificent heritage structure would be a history like
the twin tower. Indeed, it is a History that it stood the test of times and
kudos to the architect who built such a marvelous structure that depicts the
pride of Mumbai.
Mumbai – The city that never sleeps, the resilient city,
the chaotic city, stood bravely despite the threats. The event ended on 29/11
and the life was back to normal within a couple of weeks. But the mood across
the country was filled with anger and hatred for at least couple of months. Few days later after the event ended, on my normal
route to office, I passed by Hemant Karkare’s home and I was very sad to see
the body. Kudos to the security personnel
viz. Tukaram Omble who caught Kasab with his weapon lathi. Salute to every one who helped during the hour
of crisis and who fought the battle. Over 160 people dead and hundreds of injured will remain as a stats in the history of the terror attack.
Four years later, the lone surviving terrorist is hanged
on 21/11/2012. And, it is called the second
fastest trial!. Neither can we claim victory nor can we celebrate death. The
terrorists have already vowed revenge and the implications will be felt in the long
term. It may give a sense of satisfaction momentarily for hanging but the
victory of good over evil is far away. It is time to reflect upon the self to
make the system better in every possible form. But, only time will tell us!
Memories never fade whether good or bad. Joyous memories last forever and so do the bitter ones.
This is one of those memories that will last forever and will be retold again
and again.
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