Mumbai on a roll

Angry, frustrated and hoping for action, Mumbaikars these days have just one thing on their mind.

The angered denizens of the city look to find their own solutions through protest marches and citizen initiatives

Angry, frustrated and hoping for action, Mumbaikars these days have just one thing on their mind. Anger against the political class is growing following the terror attacks and the only way to let out these pent up emotions is by using them constructively. Today, as we complete a week after terror attacks devastated Mumbai, the youth and the experienced of the city are getting together with protest marches, peace rallies and citizen initiatives.

The Gateway of India is going to be the converging point for the city today, with various groups gathering there at 6 pm. Friday Club, an organisation known for recreational activities in collaboration with a radio channel, seeks to rebuild the failed infrastructure through their movement, One Spirit. One Mumbai. The group plans on proposing a 10-point plan to the government and form a group that combats terrorism with peaceful measures. 8220;Our club usually conducts activities like parties, treks and hikes. This time, the focus is on combating terrorism by not falling prey to anger,8221; says Malini Agarwal, the organiser. 8220;While today is the initiation ceremony, the group hopes to meet every week and voice their views on the radio channel.8221;

Another meeting tomorrow is headed by filmmaker Suparn Verma who is joining hands with various NGOs in the city to protest against terrorist attacks and system failure. 8220;My plan is simple. I want to be seen and heard and there is no better place than the Gateway,8221; feels Verma. Through this movement, they hope to train people to fight attacks, by conducting workshops in fire drills, martial arts and boot camp training.

Besides these, Walk for Harmony and Peace, organised by businessman Sameer Gharat, will have citizens carrying placards and lighting candles. The initiative will be taken forward by the group Mumbai for Peace on December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.

Mumbai colleges too have taken the initiative to sensitise students to terrorism issues and at the same time pay homage to the martyrs. St Xavier8217;s College, Mahapalika Marg, is conducting memorial prayer service on Thursday for those who gave their lives in the recent terrorist attack, especially alumnus ACP Ashok Kamte 1985, and DGP Hemant Karkare father of alumna Sayalee. The service will be followed by a peace protest meeting, which will be conducted by activist Teesta Setalvad. 8220;Stop talking and start doing is our mantra. The protest meet plans to draw out a charter to bring about reforms in the police force, maritime intelligence and the Centre and State Intelligence Bureau,8221; says Setalvad. The initiative will also look at setting up student groups to help crisis management teams.

With so many events set to rock Mumbai over the week, the citizens are out to prove BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi that the lipstick-laden and tie-bearing youngsters are indeed the voice of the masses.