ANUSHUKA RATHOUR writes from Hyderabad: Yes, it’s touching how Mumbaikars have come forward to help out those in distress. Yes, it’s really something we must applaud. And yes, I feel proud when I see Indians reacting this way.
At the same time, it’s a shame—a bloody shame—because our reaction to the Bombay blasts reveals how we have begun weighing human lives differently in different parts of the country.
The seven bomb blasts in Bombay took place around 6.30 pm on July 11. But on the same morning, there were five blasts in Srinagar, killing eight and injuring 14. The grenade blasts in Srinagar happened at 11.50 am. Starting then till about 6.20 pm when the bombs went off in Bombay, the news channels were full of it.
Post 6.20 pm on 7/11, we have hardly heard anything from Srinagar.
It’s all about Bombay now as if Srinagar didn’t happen. It’s as if what happened is routine for the Valley—something that had to happen anway, something that the Kashmiris must live with—but when it happens to Bombay, it makes for bloody news! Live, rolling and endless.
It sure does make bigger news when blasts happen in Mumbai. Srinagar’s contribution to the exchequer is nowhere near Mumbai’s. Srinagar doesn’t offer job opportunities to millions like Mumbai does. Let alone welcoming people from all hues with open arms, Kashmiris have driven out their own people. It is big news if militant attacks in the valley stop once and for all
Just got this on the email – it may slightly be off track, considering the subject is what about Srinagar. This mail celebrates the never say die attitude of Mumbaikars…
______________________
Dear Terrorist,
Even if you are not reading this we don’t care. Time and again you tried to disturb us and disrupt our life – killing innocent civilians by planting bombs in trains, buses and cars. You have tried hard to bring death and destruction, cause panic and fear and create communal disharmony but everytime you were disgustingly unsuccessful. Do you know how we pass our life in Mumbai? How much it takes for us to earn that single rupee? If you wanted to give us a shock then we are sorry to say that you failed miserably in your ulterior motives. Better look elsewere, not here.
We are not Hindus and Muslims or Gujaratis and Marathis or Punjabis and Bengaliies. Nor do we distinguish ourselves as owners or workers, govt. employees or private employees. WE ARE MUMBAIKERS (Bombay-ites, if you like). We will not allow you to disrupt our life like this. On the last few occassions when you struck (including the 7 deadly blasts in a single day killing over 250 people and injuring 500+ in 1993), we went to work next day in full strength. This time we cleared everything within a few hours and were back to normal – the vendors placing their next order, businessmen finalizing the next deals and the office workers rushing to catch the next train. (Yes the same train you targetted)
Fathom this: Within 3 hours of the blasts, long queues of blood donating volunteers were seen outside various hospital, where most of the injured were admitted. By 12 midnight, the hospital had to issue a notification that blood banks were full and they didn’t require any more blood. The next day, attendance at schools and office was close to 100%, trains & buses were packed to the brim, the crowds were back.
The city has simply dusted itself off and moved one – perhaps with greater vigour.
We are Mumbaikers and we live like brothers in times like this. So, do not dare to threaten us with your crackers. The spirit of Mumbai is very strong and can not be harmed.
Please forward this to others. U never know, by chance it may come to hands of a terrorist in Afghanistan, Pakistan or Iraq and he can then read this message which is specially meant for him!!!
With Love,
From the people of Mumbai (Bombay)