MUMBAI REMEMBERS

With Suraksha Sanchalan,a 4-km parade from NCPA in Nariman Point to Girgaum Chowpatty,the police sought to regain the city’s confidence,with lack of police preparedness having been discussed all year. “It took seven days to assemble the formation of 644 personnel and 24 officers,” said DCP Milind Bharambe,in charge of the march.

It was also the first time Force One,the state’s crack team of commandos,was seen walking the city streets. Its first company was followed by three of the Quick Response Team,two of the State Reserve Police Force and two of the Local Arms branch.

Force One rappelled along Oberoi Hotel and crossed from Hotel Trident to the Air India building on a rope across the roofs.

“Till today,we were taking shape away from public glare. Today,under the watchful eye of the city as we marched on the open roads,there was a sense of commitment among the boys. Many of them came up to me and said they felt as if they now know their responsibility. A march is all about team work,discipline and obeying orders,and they put up a wonderful performance,” said B S Kendre,one of the group heads.

“The city needs to know that there will not be a next time. We are there to give our lives to ensure their security,” said commando Amit Tiwari,who won a President’s medal for firing at a terrorist in Nariman House.

Another 26/11 target,Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus,had a daylong blood donation drive,Shraddhanjali,by the State Blood Transfusion Council and the Shree Balkrishna Nidhi Trust. Till 6 pm,nearly 2,500 commuters had donated blood,with as many more expected till close. “It is our way to show our solidarity and that terror can never win against us,” said Anil Trivedi,secretary of the Trust.

“I finally feel I have contributed to my nation,though in a very small way,” said Rajesh Sharma. The wife of policeman Shashank Shinde,who died at CST,also donated blood. There was also an exhibition of news photographs of the attacks.

At Cama and Albess Hospital,staffers,nurses,doctors,and guards were felicitated for their bravery by Dr W B Tyde,Director of Medical Education and Research,and Vijay Kumar Gavit,Medical Education Minister.

Outside the Mumbai Police Gymkhana,Union Home Minister P Chidambaram opened a memorial with 18 pillars,one for each security man killed,atop a short flight of stairs. A slab carries their names,nine on each side.

Chidambaram urged the public to give police the respect they deserve. Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandhan said Rs 92 crore has been sanctioned for a police upgrade.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan,Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal,State Home Minister R R Patil and Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and senior state police officers were present. Chidambaram and Chavan also attended a prayer service organised by Central Railway at CST.

At 7 pm,Chidambaram,Chavan,R R Patil,Bhujbal,Jayant Patil and other Congress leaders gathered at the Gateway of India where a few hundred people pledged to root out terror. The ceremony included prayers by Parsis,Christians,Buddhists,Sikhs and Hindus.