I was sent the below link through a forwarded email. The images speak for themselves. I would just like to add that I met some of these photographers recently. As an amateur photo-journalist myself, I can’t begin to imagine the kind of courage these shutterbugs must have mustered to point cameras at madmen carrying Kalashnikovs and hand grenades. This is an absolute must see:
The Big Picture on the Mumbai Terror Attacks
Also, like everyone thesedays, I’ve seen enough media coverage of the Mumbai terror attacks and their aftermath to have been traumatised by all the drama by now.
The below comment, however, is different. It has to be the best thing I’ve read, heard or watched over the last 4-5 days on this whole issue of terrorism, our politicians, the underworld and India’s favourite city – Mumbai. Actually, I think it’s one of the best things I’ve read in a long time. The anger, frustration and sheer straight-forwardness with which it has been written is remarkable. Also, the satire in the whole thing is hard to miss.
The author is virtually anonymous, except for his initials – KB – and the mention of his age and birthplace. In fact, the image that I carried of the writer in my mind, while I read this piece, was strikingly similar to R. K. Laxman’s ‘Common Man’. Knock yourself out.
Here’s Response No. 1711 to the above photo essay.
Dear Mr. Prime minister
I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which has capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mouse. Mouse at least squeak but we don’t even do that.
Today I heard your speech. In which you said ‘NO BODY WOULD BE SPARED’. I would like to remind you that fourteen years has passed since serial bomb blast in Mumbai took place. Dawood was the main conspirator. Till today he is not caught. All our bolywood actors, our builders, our Gutka king meets him but your Government can not catch him. Reason is simple; all your ministers are hand in glove with him. If any attempt is made to catch him everybody will be exposed. Your statement ‘NOBODY WOULD BE SPARED’ is nothing but a cruel joke on this unfortunate people of India.
Enough is enough. As such after seeing terrorist attack carried out by about a dozen young boys I realize that if same thing continues days are not away when terrorist will attack by air, destroy our nuclear reactor and there will be one more Hiroshima.
We the people are left with only one mantra. Womb to Bomb to Tomb. You promised Mumbaikar Shanghai what you have given us is Jalianwala Baug.
Today only your home minister resigned. What took you so long to kick out this joker? Only reason was that he was loyal to Gandhi family. Loyalty to Gandhi family is more important than blood of innocent people, isn’t it?
I am born and bought up in Mumbai for last fifty eight years. Believe me corruption in Maharashtra is worse than that in Bihar. Look at all the politician, Sharad Pawar, Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Bal Thackray , Gopinath Munde, Raj Thackray, Vilasrao Deshmukh all are rolling in money. Vilasrao Deshmukh is one of the worst Chief minister I have seen. His only business is to increase the FSI (floor sapce index) every other day, make money and send it to Delhi so Congress can fight next election. Now the clown has found new way and will increase FSI for fisherman so they can build concrete house right on sea shore. Next time terrorist can comfortably live in those house , enjoy the beauty of sea and then attack the Mumbai at their will.
Recently I had to purchase house in Mumbai. I met about two dozen builders. Everybody wanted about 30% in black. A common person like me knows this and with all your intelligent agency & CBI you and your finance minister are not aware of it. Where all the black money goes? To the underworld isn’t it? Our politicians take help of these goondas to vacate people by force. I myself was victim of it. If you have time please come to me, I will tell you everything.
If this has been land of fools, idiots then I would not have ever cared to write you this letter. Just see the tragedy, on one side we are reaching moon, people are so intelligent and on other side you politician has converted nectar into deadly poison. I am everything Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Schedule caste, OBC, Muslim OBC, Christian Schedule caste, Creamy Schedule caste only what I am not is INDIAN. You politician have raped every part of mother India by your policy of divide and rule.
Take example of former president Abdul Kalam. Such a intelligent person, such a fine human being. You politician didn’t even spare him. Your party along with opposition joined the hands, because politician feels they are supreme and there is no place for good person.
Dear Mr Prime minister you are one of the most intelligent person, most learned person. Just wake up. First and foremost expose all selfish politician. Ask Swiss bank to give name of all Indian account holder. Give reins of CBI to independent agency. Let them find wolf among us. There will be political upheaval but that will better than dance of death which we are witnessing every day. Just give us ambient where we can work honestly and without fear. Let there be rule of law. Everything else will be taken care of.
Choice is yours Mr. Prime Minister. Do you want to be lead by one person or you want to lead the nation of 100 Crore people?
A Walk, Not War, Against Terrorism
Stand Up. Speak Out. Enough is Enough. Let’s Take back this Country
4 Comments
3 December, 08 at 5:32 am
Nice site. There’s some good information on here. I’ll be checking back regularly.
3 December, 08 at 3:55 pm
that WAS a great essay…if u can call pictures of anything so horrible great.
i dont think any mumbaikar will ever be able to get over it…just the thought of the people dead is enough to reduce anyone who has ever called that beautiful stinky city home to tears.
thanks for sharing.
sending prayers out to everyone affected.
3 December, 08 at 4:01 pm
the guy who wrote this letter is mr. prakash bajaj. you can get in touch with him at prakashbbajaj at gmail dot com for any kind of support for his movement (non financial)
4 December, 08 at 1:16 am
WOW!