Mumbai was attacked by terrorists on November 26th. Nearly 175 people were killed, and over 350 were injured. Terrorism has been affecting India for decades, yet the government continues to issue the same unconvincing statements without taking substantial action to address it. In such a critical situation, it would have been ideal for all political parties to unite, but unfortunately, the two major parties—Congress and BJP—remained at odds. There is widespread criticism of both the government and the police. Media outlets, the Indian intelligence agency, and the FBI have indicated that the terrorists were trained in Pakistan.
Fire at the Taj Hotel, Mumbai
The police have gathered significant evidence suggesting Pakistan’s involvement in the attack, but the Pakistani government refuses to acknowledge it. India provided Pakistan with a list of twenty terrorists, requesting their extradition, but Pakistan demanded proof of their involvement before considering any action. The terrorists India has requested are internationally recognized as terrorists, yet Pakistan insists on further evidence. Dawood Ibrahim, who facilitated the terrorists’ sea route to Mumbai, is already listed as a most-wanted terrorist by the US government, but Pakistan still seeks more proof. Despite widespread calls for action from the Indian public, it seems unlikely that meaningful measures will be taken.
Ajmal Kasab, one of the terrorists
Following the Mumbai attacks, India received strong support from the international community. Both the US and Israeli governments have pledged their assistance in the fight against terrorism. However, while our government eagerly seeks international help for nuclear projects that could lead to environmental and safety risks, it appears less interested in leveraging international support to combat terrorism. I was particularly struck by an Israeli politician’s interview where he suggested that India should first address its own issues before expecting international assistance. I agree with this perspective.
An injured person at a hospital
It is crucial for us to take proactive measures ourselves rather than waiting for others to intervene. After each terrorist attack, politicians issue statements that ultimately lead nowhere. Both the Indian government and the international community often fall short in providing effective responses. The media also expressed frustration over repeatedly covering terrorist attacks. They criticized the constant exposure to violence and the need to report on it. Despite their efforts to capture and report on the attacks, media outlets often found themselves ahead of the police in terms of information.
CST Railway station after attack
The media’s coverage, including photos and videos of the terrorists, contrasted sharply with the police’s repeated claims of being unable to locate them. During one interview, a terrorist called into a news channel with demands, including the release of imprisoned terrorists and the declaration of Hyderabad as a Muslim state. Despite his claims of being from Hyderabad, his distinct Kashmiri accent revealed his actual origin. Eventually, it was confirmed that the terrorists were from Karachi, Pakistan. One of the terrorists, when asked about their food needs, dismissed the question, stating that they would be welcomed into heaven with plentiful food.
Fire coming out of Oberio Hotel window
When informed that the NSG commandos were closing in, he replied that the world was watching and that dying would lead him to heaven and the blessings of Allah. The terrorists justified their attack by alleging that Hindus mistreat Muslims, citing the demolition of the Babri Mosque as an example. However, this was an isolated incident, and many temples have been destroyed in Pakistan as well. Their claims do not reflect the broader reality in India, where such incidents are rare. When discussing Kashmir, the terrorists claimed that its people want to join Pakistan.
However, during my time in Kashmir, every person I spoke to expressed a desire to remain under Indian control. Kashmir’s ongoing poverty is largely due to terrorism, and if the terrorists genuinely cared about the Kashmiri people, they would cease their violence, as India offers better opportunities than Pakistan. Recent sentiments among my friends suggest that if Kashmir is the source of these problems, some would even support giving it to Pakistan to resolve the issue. I understand this perspective, given the persistent violence affecting all parts of India. If the Indian government were to consider this option, I would support it, recognizing that the government has struggled to solve the Kashmir issue effectively.
If those advocating for Kashmiri Muslims genuinely cared about their welfare, they would also need to address the conditions of Muslims in other Indian states. Their demands for Kashmir might eventually extend to the whole country. Instead, if they want Kashmir, they should also accept all Muslims from India and resettle them elsewhere. This, however, is unrealistic because their real aim is not to improve the lives of Muslims but to disrupt India’s progress and economy. The Mumbai attacks targeted landmarks like the Taj and Oberoi hotels to damage India’s tourism and economic sectors. While not all Muslims are involved in terrorism, these attacks taint their image and intentions.
The public response to the attacks was powerful. People across India protested, with a massive candlelight march in Mumbai. Many believe that the government, rather than the terrorists, should be held accountable for the security lapses that allowed the attacks to occur. The ease with which the terrorists smuggled weapons from Karachi suggests possible collusion with local authorities. Mumbai demands a change in the political system, and while some advocate for more educated leaders, I believe that honesty is more critical. Education alone cannot solve corruption; it must be coupled with integrity. Despite young Indians’ rejection of bribery, widespread corruption in government and law enforcement undermines this ideal.
Candle light procession
Guests at the Taj Hotel during the attacks praised the staff for their efforts in keeping them informed and safe. In contrast, government agencies failed to deliver. The private sector performed admirably under the circumstances. Instead of solely blaming Pakistan or terrorist organizations, we need to improve our internal systems. In my view, the primary failures were within the Indian government and its security forces.
Hotel Taj before attacks