It's not nice when in the middle of watching Pirates of the Caribbean--Dead Man's Chest, you get interrupted by a phone call from dad, telling you to switch on the news...And after that you find out that your city is wrecked by some more bomb blasts. Not the best of experiences.
I live in Mumbai, India. The city frequently shaken by terrorists. And it hurts to identify my home like that. But the truth is the truth. This time, it's serial blasts--three, last I know. And this is only three years after the infamous 26/11 attacks that took the lives of 164 people and injured at least 308. I've just been lucky all this time. No-one I know has ever been a victim. And I hope that stays that way.
I suppose it's worsened by the fact that the government does little about it. I understand if terrorists slip past security and cause havoc, but shouldn't it be the duty of the governing body to try and curb the problem? Not that I'm saying the Govt. has done absolutely nothing. But whatever they've done isn't enough.
So I talk as a citizen. It goes without saying how impossible it is to travel the city without worrying you might not get back home. I suppose it's paranoid, but it's also justified.My dad says the only way to fight terrorism is to stand up and stay strong. The whole idea is to scare people. But that attitude itself takes a ton of bravery. And not everyone has the guts.
When my college starts, I'll be travelling at least two hours a day. (Yes, it's pretty far from home). And it's stupid, but it worries me. Personally, I believe it's just tragic if you're scared of commuting in your own city. Wouldn't you guys agree?
It isn't even that hard to try. CCTVs, competent security personnel, metal detectors, guard dogs...whatever. It's not like this stuff hasn't been done before! Terrorism can be stopped if we as people make an effort.
I just hope someday we'll get rid of this evil. Not just on a national level, but globally. Until then...Just stand up and stay strong.
