Terrorism in Mumbai

Terrorism. How do we define it? How can we begin to grasp its reality? How much evidence do we need to see before we can stop sitting around and actually do something about it? The problem is that these questions are all relative. We cannot really understand this as much as those who have lost their loved ones. But we can sympathize and we can do something. We can unify. We can deny the terrorists control over our fear. We can deny them this victory.

Over the past few days, havoc has been wreaked in the city of Mumbai by a group of terrorists who have only one aim: To divide the people and drive them with fear. Mumbai, a city with a population of nearly 19 million, has been a recurring target of terrorism in the past. The 1993 bombings and the 2006 train bombings are just a few examples of such terror which have aimed at damaging the image of this historic city. Many innocent lives were lost and the city grieved their martyrs. Although, there are more than a few dents in this city’s image, the city draws its strength from its people and their courage. The ability of the people to survive and get-on-with-it.

Many heroes fell in their fight against terror and we must remember them for their valor and their determination. They rose to the occasion and did their deeds for their nation. It is because of people like Hemant Karkare that the city of Mumbai can stand undivided after such a tragic event. Now it is time for us to do do our part.

I call this tragic not only because of the fact that hundreds of lives were lost, but its a shame towards humanity. The sheer hatred is unfathomable. It takes a great deal of purpose to bear such hate and it has no ally. When people are shot indiscriminately just for the sake of reducing a historic monument into rubble, simply for demonstrating the reach of terror, we think twice about things like reasoning and rationale. All goes out the window. The only reasoning these terrorists understand is their hatred and their purpose. Just imagine, if they’d instead placed this much passion into something positive.

Its time we take a stand. Its time we voice our thoughts. Its time we said “You have not won, you have united us.” Its time for us to change our attitude and look beyond what has happened. Even if you didn’t know anyone who died or was injured, you are a victim of this terrorist act. You are a victim of acts against humanity. We must bare this burden for those who have died. Because, it could easily have been me or you. We need to stand together and annihilate this threat of terror through our unity. And together, we will win.

What we must understand is that terrorists have no country, no religion, and no honor. All they care about is spreading fear. If we can deny them their goal, we will have moved one step forward in our fight against terrorism. We need to ask ourselves how it was possible for something like this to take place. We need to ask questions of our leaders and make sure they do their part in ensuring our safety. This has happened in New York, London, Mumbai… It can happen in Vienna, Paris, anywhere. We mustn’t close our eyes and pretend to be ignorant of such crucial issues. We need to play an active role in ensuring that our future is well protected. This is our world. Let’s not let terrorists run amock with our fears.

Please join me and millions of others at Avaaz and voice our thoughts and feelings to the millions of newspapers across India and Pakistan, telling them that we are stronger than ever.