I started writing this article in the aftermath of the Mumbai Terrorist attack. It is what I have observed and felt.
Where was I when the terrorists attacked??? I was sitting at home watching the horror unfold in front of my eyes. First I was bewildered... later furious – was wondering how these people got in and what daring to infiltrate one of the strongest pillars of Indian democracy, its financial capital. But in the end, it seemed almost comical. How could a city like Mumbai allow itself to fall prey to a prank like this.... this had to be unreal... but it was very real... real funny that is...
What did we do?? We sat in our homes while spineless pot-bellied cops tried to kill the terrorists armed with the lathis donated by the British. When i saw telephonic intercepts on the news, I was even more bewildered. In at least 2 spots, the police were inside the attacked structures at exceptional strategic locations. Could they have prevented this all? Maybe – had they been given the backup when it was required the whole tragedy could have been averted.
I felt ashamed when our home minister acted like a woman going for a party – changing clothes like a courtesan – to charm the waiting sharks. Ha... that was a sight I tell you. Hell, the navy headquarters is a stone throw away from the Taj – but they were waiting for “orders”.
But maybe we are too used to this. The political blame-game that followed was legendary. And for the first time I was reminded of the “Shame of Being an Indian”. Let me be very frank, i wanted to go out there and fight for my country. I wanted to rip those terrorists cell by the vary cell of their being. But what did i do?? I was confined to the sofa like many other youths. That was the time when i was reminded of the IMPOTENCE OF THE INDIAN YOUTH.