Grief and grit as Indians remember 60 hours of terror

Some moments are seared into the collective consciousness of the nation -- like 26/11. The utter helplessness came back to haunt us on the first anniversary of India’s most wounding terror strike, but with it was a sense of resolve as thousands prepared to gather in various cities to remember the dead and also hope for a terror-free tomorrow.

It was a day of vivid recall, of remembrances public and private, of recrimination and also resolve as India, a year later, paused in its tracks to rewind to the traumatic night in late Nov last year.

The fear and helplessness of that day was never far from the minds of Indians across the country and the world mourned the dead in India’s most wounding terror strike that had left behind scars perhaps never to be healed.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was away in the US, spoke in Washington about “remembrance and homage to all the innocent civilians and our brave men in uniform” who died in the attack.

In the national capital, parliament began with two minutes silence and a resolution in the Lok Sabha to wage a united war against terror. In Kanpur, the cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka began with a similar homage. Tributes to the brave who died - and those who survived - were held in many cities with citizens collecting at designated places holding aloft lit candles and pledging for peace.

And all thoughts were with Mumbai, India’s thriving commercial capital that was ravaged by 10 terrorists who came by boats from Pakistan on the night of Nov 26 to begin a bloody siege that ended only on the afternoon of Nov 28. Only one terrorist was caught alive, Pakistani Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, whose trial is far from complete.

As crowds gathered at every place the terrorists had left a bloody imprint - the anger was palpable. “We want Kasab to be hanged,” said a young teen outside the Gateway of India.

Thousands of commuters rushing to their offices halted to pay respects to those slaughtered in the blaze of bullets at the CST, Mumbai’s oldest and largest rail hub.

The newly created elite Force One, created on the lines of the elite National Security Guard, made its first public appearance when it marched through parts of the affected areas in Mumbai. Also on display were security forces displaying an array of sophisticated weapons, bulletproof vehicles and amphibian boats.

“We shall leave no stone unturned to protect Mumbai and its citizens,”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said, as everyone - from celebrities to the man on the street - relived the trauma.

The 1.5 km wall at Marine Drive was full of messages by 5am, and thousands more came to read them.

Some moments will stay on forever - even for somebody like little ‘Goli’, or bullet, who was not even born at that time. Viju Chavan, a worker in Mumbai who was shot in the stomach, said with a smile at the oddities of fate: “I was pregnant at the time of the attack. After that incident, people told me to name my daughter Goli. Even today, my daughter is referred to as Goli, not by her real name.”

Remember but move on undeterred, the extraordinary story of Goli may epitomise the spirit in which Mumbai - and Indiaobserved the 26/11 anniversary.

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The day after: A city moves on

The flurry of memorial services, blood donation camps, the moments reliving that terrible carnage a year ago, were all done. On 27 Nov, Mumbai was its usual self, buzzing with activity and a confidence that no terror attack can quell. Most students returned to their colleges, and workers were back to their routine schedules.

At the sites that were attacked in the 26/11 carnage last year - Taj Hotel, Chabad House, Leopold Cafe, Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus, Oberoi Hotel and Cama Hospitalit was back to work the day after.

At the Leopold Cafe, one of the first sites to be attacked by the terrorists, a candle-light memorial service and a musical program were held on on the 26th. But, the next day, it was business as usual. The regulars were back for their coffees, snacks and banter at their all-time old favourite.

For Eliran Russo, a member of the Chabad House and a close friend of the Rabbi couple who were killed last year by the terrorists, the memorial service at the Jewish centre was especially painful.

“Yesterday was our way of showing the world that we are here in Mumbai - to stay. The memorial service was broadcast live on Jewish TV and at all the Chabad centres around the world. On Friday, we are planning a quiet, private memorial supper with the family of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and union minister Shashi Tharoor were in attendance at the Chabad House for the memorial service. It was attended by other members of the Chabad House, the Mumbai Jewish community and several people who flew in from abroad.

Bharat Kapoor donated blood at the Hinduja Hospital as a tribute to the victims. “Instead of lighting a candle, donating blood is my way of showing I care. I made it a point to mark my tribute.”

Meanwhile, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is ready to focus on the times ahead.

“Yesterday was a very solemn and dignified memorial service where Ratan Tata unveiled the new memorial. A staff interaction was held at the banquet room, to which only members of the staff, their families and the Consulate Generals were invited,” Nikhita Palat, public relations manager of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, told IANS. “At the Taj, we’re always looking forward, and our focus is to concentrate on the revival of the hotel,” she added.

Among the restaurants, the Golden Dragon was re-opened to patrons on the eve of the 26/11 anniversary (Nov 25), while the Harbour Bar and Wasabi are scheduled to open on Dec 2.

For Priya M., a college student, the memorial service at the Taj made her re-live the trauma of those 60 hours when 10 terrorists had virtually laid siege to the city.

“It was overwhelming to remember the tragedy which struck this place a year ago. We were all glued to our television sets at this time last year and the gory battle between the terrorists and security forces went on for a full 60 hours,” Priya said with a shudder.

A regular visitor to the Taj, Manisha Bulchandani also made a special effort to pay her respects at the hotel. “It was heartening to see the security force in all its strength in Mumbai Thursday. As citizens, we should stop complaining and appreciate our police force, who are often on their toes round-theclock when required,” she said.

The 26/11 terror attack left 166 people dead and 244 people injured.

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London charity raises Rs.1.15 crore for 26/11 victims

Over Rs.1.15 crore ($246,000) were raised in aid of the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at a charity event in London attended by Bollywood stars and members of British royalty. The event was organised by DVK Foundation whose founder Deepak Kuntawala was one of the survivors of the attack on the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel.

A press release issued by the organisers said that the function held at the Royal Kensington Palace was attended by members of the British royalty and celebrities from India and Britain.

“More than Rs.1.15 crores were collected during the event, which was hosted by the acclaimed Indian film and television actor Kabir Bedi and his actress-daughter Pooja Bedi,” said a press release.

The money was raised through the fundraising dinner and auction, which was conducted by actor Boman Irani.

The items on auction included a weekend on the luxury yacht which went for 11,000 pounds to British musician Newton Faulkner.

Another item on the list was a ticket to the movie premier of Avatar with Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver, which went for 10,000 pounds.

“The event is an affirmation of the human spirit that rises above dark tragedy and reaches for the light of compassion,” Kabir Bedi was quoted as saying in the press release.

Besides, a poetry tribute to the victims of Mumbai terror attacks by film director Shekhar Kapur and a musical performance of Phantom of the Opera were some of the attractions of the night.