Third world - Mayhem..

Why did it happen? How did it happen? Why can't we stop this? Does no one really care? A plethora of questions ran through the mind after the terror attacks in Mumbai on 26th of November. It has hit us hard. Brave men sacrificed their lives fighting for the nation, innocent people as always ended up as easy targets. The totem of Mumbai's heritage the Taj-Mahal palace was shattered. The Oberoi wasn't spared either.

In a way the incident is historical. The impact is massive. The feeling is numb and the public outcry just seems to intensify by the minute and understandably so. The only difference this time around was that it wasn't just the common man who suffered. The rich and affluent, echelons of the business world also bore the brunt of the attacks. The failure of our intelligence, the unpreparedness of our security was appalling. The state and central government's hitherto, needless to say, have been lackadaisical in initiating timely actions.

The previous attacks were similar, the magnitude probably lesser. Nationwide protests have been carried out, candle's have been lit across the country, celebrities and the business-world have come out in support to express solidarity. So what is it that's awakened us this time around?. Is it just because they ended up on the wrong side this time around? In a situation as volatile as this, it isn't quite right to talk about differences within the same section of society at a time when everyone ought to stand united. But let's face the reality. The divide between the rich and the lower strata of society has been palpable, television channels included.

We've been witness to a myriad of these attacks over the years. But 26/11 was nonpareil. Watching the 60 hour ordeal on T.V channels was an experience of sorts. No doubt it was the first of its kind for the media in India.

While hordes of reporters stood outside the Taj and Oberoi and presenters bragged about exclusive footages, the coverage on the CST where terrorists drew first blood leaves a lot to be desired. There was hardly any mention about the dead, injured in contrast to the Taj where guests where held hostage. While substantial footage was aired about the journalist who lost her life in the luxury suite on the 6th Floor of the Taj, there wasn't even a trace of the actual heroes.

Consider the case of ASI Tukaram Omble. Incidentally Omble intercepted one of the terrorists, and caught hold of the barrel of the AK-47 rifle with both hands and held on to it till his last breath even as a spray of bullets entered his stomach and intestines. Thanks to Omble's presence of mind, for we could nab the only terrorist alive and present a formidable case against Pakistan. Omble's efforts deserved to be told as much as the gallant acts by the Taj and Oberoi staff.

The views of citizens on television were nothing less than disgraceful. In fact one of them who claimed to be a designer was heard saying "I couldn't see the Taj burnt this way. I shall do whatever it takes to contribute to see the Taj and Oberoi resurrected". Where are these "contributing" citizens when train stations and markets are ripped off in similar fashion as the Taj. Probably some of them never ever have had the necessity to travel by trains, buses and shop in the bustling markets. And even more embarrassing were the irresponsible statements made by our celebs on national television, most of them clearly inept to be representing the general public.

My immediate thoughts after this went back to Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden who's comments didn't quite go down well with certain sections. Referring to India as a third world country Hayden said - "One of the things I love the most about India, is that you walk around the back of the hotel, and there's a man who's selling peanuts on the street for one cent a month, and he holds his head so high, and is so proud, as if he was making $2 million a month. There is a large portion of India that is third world that is below the poverty line. But from my experience, it is those people who I admire the most. They are the ones who send out the messages of love and passion and have that amazing enthusiasm for life. I greatly admire, and appreciate, all the wonderful sentiments they have conveyed to me over the years, and for anyone to suggest otherwise is way off the mark."

It is rather unfortunate that we ourselves fail to understand this. And our obdurate views also need to change, probably. In an optimistic sense, this scourge of terrorism could well be the catalyst that we needed to stand up for a cause, spirited, united and be heard as one. Hopefully things will change.