The Great Divide

Now that the terrorists are dealt with, it's time for the usual routine of expert panels, protest marches, candle lighting, political faffing, monetary compensations, zero sensitivity, big words and little action.

Of course there is one important difference here. The anger, outrage, feeling of terror and utter disbelief and shock is simply due to the fact that even the rich are vulnerable. Had 2 smaller and little known hotels in a northern suburb of Mumbai been attacked, not one candle holding protester would be found on the streets.

Yes i agree that the hotels the terrorists chose were iconic in nature, and ensured international attention. But the aftermath is only emphasising the underlying discrimination and the great divide that exists in our city. All peace walks and protest marches lead to the Taj. Everyone talks about how innocent people were killed in the hotels when all they had come for was an evening out. Everyone is shocked at how easily 2 top hotels were attacked.

But what about CST? Isnt the erstwhile Victoria Terminus an equally important landmark (and a place that definitely sees more people passing by than the hotels)? What about those innocent citizens who were at CST? What about those who were simply looking to go back home after a long day at work or return to their village after a holiday in Bombay? What about those women and men who were caught in open fire with nowhere to run or hide? What about the man in the control tower, who, on seeing the gunmen, made announcements for people to get away to another platform, thereby saving their lives? Why is no one saluting his alertness and quick thinking? Why isnt he being interviewed for what happened? Why is no one talking about the people who were killed as part of what was probably a diversionary tactic?

So while i empathise and am equally outraged at what my city is going through, im also saddened by the inequality that the common man faces even in death.