26/11: Lessons unlearned

Seven years have passed since Mumbai came under attack near the symbolic Gateway of India. The sense of poignancy has not dimmed one whit as the sacrifice of innocent martyrs is recalled. The nation may have recovered well in spirit after a dastardly offensive put Mumbai in the same league as New York, London, Madrid and Paris as cities that suffered the worst carnage. The question is have we learned enough to realise we have to protect ourselves better more than blame destiny for choosing our kind for such manmade evils.

Reports from the ground do not suggest we are wholly capable yet of a rapid response to terror events perpetrated by suicidal attackers. The latest reports about Mumbai’s vulnerability from the sea and how the police force has been neglected despite the greater threat they face these days as the first line of defence against terrorism signify how we haven’t acted on our resolve. Police reforms, from the beat constable to the top of the force, were most vital.

What also must be addressed before it is too late is the creation of a new environment, beginning with a legislative template that recognises the need for concerted federal action and rapid real-time response from counter-terrorism forces. Silly excuses like police action being a state subject should not be allowed to interfere with a central approach to real-time information gathering and sharing with all security agencies working in unison. If we are to minimise the loss of life in fidayeen attacks, we have to be ready to snuff out the threat with rapid response.