A month after terror strikes, Mumbai tries to pick itself

Enraged citizens came out on streets in such large numbers to express their resentment against politicians and solidarity to families of those killed during the 59-hour ordeal, sending a strong message against the ruling class.

The attacks claimed ‘political’ victims as well. Shivraj Patil had to quit as Union Home Minister while Vilasrao Deshmukh and R R Patil resigned as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively.

“The public pressure, like in the form of protests held at the Gateway of India has forced politicians to be accountable,” said filmmaker Ashok Pandit, who participated in various such agitations.

“Also, in the terror siege of luxury hotels, the rich were the victims and the attacks this time attracted a lot of attention, compared to the serial train blasts two years ago when most of the victims were common people,” he said.