Mumbai is getting back to normal after the unprecedented terror strike that lasted 60 hours. Mumbai found itself in mayhem when about 20 odd terrorists armed with heavy weopons like AK-47 rifles, hand grenedes attacked Mumbai on Wednesday, 26 November 2008.

The gunmen attacked 10 places like Chhatrapati Shivaji Bus Terminal (CST), a famous cafe (leopold cafe), railway stations, tourist spots, two 5 star hotels, cinema hall,hospital. Around 180 innocent people (including  foreigners) lost their lives and 370 were injured. ATS (Anti Terrorist Squad) chief, Mr. hemant Karkare was also shot dead.

The attack is unique in every sense. The world had never witnessed anything like this before.  Surely, this was the biggest, and most co-ordinated terror attack on India. Gunmen opening fire on civillians, policemen, and then holding hostages at three places, where the fight to thrash them lasted for more than two days. Terrorists also asked for people with British and American passports,another first of its kind.

According to initial reports, terrorists are thought to have come via a small boat to Mumbai’s coast, and then they dispersed in teams to their pre-decided destinations to create havoc.An previously unknown group, Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility behind the attacks. Speculations are also on regarding possible Pakistan link of the terrorists, though Pakistan has strongly denied any involvement. Though initial investigations point towards LeT (Lashkar-E-Taiba)

Terrorists held hostages at three places, including two luxuru 5 start hotels viz “Taj Mahal Hotel” and “Oberoi- Trident Hotel” and at Nariman House,a Jewish population dominated area. NSG, Army, Navy, marine commandos (MarCos) were deployed in addition to the local police to bring down the hostages who were holding hostages. This very difficult task took 60 hours mainly becuase of these reasons:

1. The sheer size of the hotels. Taj has 400 rooms and as the NSG was room-to-room to ensure that there are no terrorists left, it was bound to take time.

2. NSG commandos also had to ensure the safety of the people who were trapped in the hotels along with those who were already under control of terrorists.

3. Our highly intelligent and responsible news chanels  were “reporting every move of the NSG and army” LIVE, giving terrorists a lot of time and hints to re-think their next step and switch locations.

Though nothing stopped our brave men from storming the hotels and killing the enemies of our state.

Not to forget fire fighters who saved many lifes while risking their own by rescuing guests trapped in the hotels and also fighting fire erupting in the hotel rooms because of the explosions.

Also I read in TOI today that a sikh group arranged langar and made food round the clock and served our jawans.

There was severe criticism to this crime against humanity from around the world and many countries vowed to be standing shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terror. Leaders, common man,bloggers, everyone across the globe offered their prayers and condolences to the people affected by these attacks.

But what about us Indians? Well, every Indian eye was on t.v. watching in dis belief,shock,anger what was happening. Every one was only worried about the people who were killed, were entrapped in the hotels and Nariman House. We had our hearts full with best wishes to those true “sons of soil” NSG commandos, army personnel, policemen,naval troops fighting for saving our nation. I can not imagine what place we would be in without you guys.

We, every Indian salutes you guys, no words can thank you for your service. We are glad we have such heroes to look after us.

To our politicians: We are sick of hearing how “resillient” and “high spirited” the people of Mumbai or any other place where terror strikes for that matter are after every attack. We want something more than empty promises.We need to protect our shores along with our borders and skies. Sick but oh wait, you wont. Care to let us know why?

And our wonderful media:

Thanks for making life of our jawans and their work difficult. If the attack lasted 60 hours, you guys did have a role in that. If our soldiers were injured during operation Black Thunder, you guys can be the reason behind it. I agree people need to be informed about the situation but at the cost of national security? Hell no! Have some common sense, dignity and respect for the lives of our soldiers and civiallians guys.

Every Indian is with the people of Mumbai those who are affected by these attacks in anyway.

It is the strength of our people,this great nation that I am confident we will overcome this hour of grief and show it to the world that a terror attack can not shake our feet and I am sure we will continue to grow.