terrorist attack

Dastardly Attack On Democracy

February 15, 2019 Happenings

It was ironic, on the day when the entire world was celebrating an emblem of freedom and democracy there was a reprehensible suicide attack carried out on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway at Pulwama in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, India. It was an explosive-filled vehicle that was rammed into the convoy and the Pakistan-based Islamist terror outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammed, has taken responsibility for this dastardly act which has resulted in over 40 casualties. I collectively stand, shoulder to shoulder in grief with my fellow citizens in offering my condolences to the soldiers who laid down their lives for their nation. I’m not only hurt but also angry by this mindless stunt of sabotaging our democratic rights and freedom. I sincerely hope that every individual responsible for the planning, logistics and execution of this cowardly deed would be brought to justice, sooner than later.

We, the citizens of modern society, proudly advocate the values of freedom and believe in the advantages of global peace & security, in whose absence mankind has suffered in an endless loop of struggle, conflict & survival. The state actors who commit brutality on a democratic society do not believe in the worthiness of a strong & harmonious nation for all humanity, rather, they openly justify the assault on freedom for their own vested interests and falsely driven radical ideologies. These state actors spread misinformation by forcibly suppressing the truth to divide our society and inject their violent doctrine amongst us. But time and again, the ultimate truth and beliefs have strongly prevailed over these inordinate forces.

Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that despite countless attacks on her innocent souls, be it the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the 2001 J&K Legislative Assembly or the 2016 Uri attack, whenever radical terrorism has challenged & attempted to clamp down on the democracy and values for freedom India has triumphed over tyranny and falsehood with her vast & diverse society, it has emerged unscathed, proven herself much stronger and highly resilient for her adversaries! Even in this melancholic moment, I am certain that a nation which has stood on the tenets of morality, equality, truth and justice for humanity, will prevail over this misadventure once again. Jai Hind!

Rakes without Racks

December 18, 2006 General

Regular passengers on the Western Suburban Railway route will realize the pressures of the daily commute – the crowds, the sweat and those battles to secure every inch of space for standing ‘comfortably’. The lucky ones are those who commute to and fro from one point to the other (say Borivli to Churchgate); no botheration of alighting or getting into the train midway which could mean enrolling oneself for another battle for barging into the crowded compartments. As if these daily crusades weren’t enough, the railways have now introduced some rakes which are devoid of the luggage racks. These racks were a boon for keeping luggage while you travel and also holding onto it as you stand closer to the window. This decision was apparently taken (in a haste?) after the July 11 train bombings to deter any terrorist from planting a bag loaded with explosives and risking the lives of many.

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London Under Attack

July 8, 2005 Happenings

London Bus BlastBarely 24 hours since I last posted the news of London winning the bid for the 2012 Olympics, it has been attacked by terrorists with calibrated bomb explosions on its underground trains and bus services. Till the last news came in there were 37 dead and still counting and over 700 people injured.

Since I travel by Mumbai’s crowded local, I get a closer look at the reactions of the general public. Surprisingly I saw more frustration and anger vented towards the western powers than sympathy towards the blast victims. “Ab unko pata chalega terrorism kya hota hai!!” (Now they would know what terrorism is all about) said one of the my co-passengers. A remark most definitely aimed at the Americans who have conveniently turned blind towards the everyday terrorist killings in Jammu & Kashmir and I personally didn’t think this was the right time to reflect upon domestic problems. My heart goes out to the victim’s families of the London blasts. This is a terrible thing to happen to any living being on this earth and it should be condemned strongly.

The incidence has once again proved that the terrorists still hold the initiative to strike at will. Geography or military might will hardly threaten their existence or resolve.

Hatred Broods Hatred

July 6, 2005 Happenings

One more attack on the heart of secularism, one more season of allegations and one more instance of innocent lives being lost. Akshardham Temple, Raghunath Temple, Char-e-Sharief – which eventually was burned down to ashes, are all a part of that drama which unfolds every now and then. 6 ‘men’ decided to go on an adventure and attacked the disputed Ayodhya temple yesterday, adding one more sacred site to the list. You will be surprised at the ease with which they penetrated the highly secured area at the disputed site.

Attacking temples & sacred structures has become a routine with terrorists who aim to create mistrust amongst us. They know how communally sensitive the majority of Indians are and their leaders will leave no stone unturned in fomenting hatred amongst the general public. We need to win this internal war first before we start preparing our armies to fight our neighbour. Anyways, tomorrow is a nationwide bandh called by the VHP & the BJP & as always I shudder to think about that fellow daily wage earner who will lose his money.

As for me, I am not moving out of my bedroom tomorrow :)