‘Attacks were a repeat telecast of 26/11’

Gory images splashed across newspapers and news channels after Wednesday’s serial bomb blasts in the city left Kalpana Shah deeply disturbed.

Gory images splashed across newspapers and news channels after Wednesday’s serial bomb blasts in the city left Kalpana Shah deeply disturbed.

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Shah, owner of Tao Art Gallery, lost her husband Panka2j in the November 26, 2008, terror attacks.“The attacks were a terrible reminder of what we went through in 2008. Every day we have to worry about whether we will reach home safely, and we have had enough about that ‘spirit of Mumbai’. The government must brush up its act,” said Shah.

Wednesday’s blasts sent ripples of anger among 26/11 survivors and victims’ families. “The situation has not improved at all since the terror attacks,” said Bhisham Mansukhani, 33, a Breach Candy resident, who survived the siege at the Taj Mahal hotel.

“The government is not sending the right message to the people responsible for this terror. The US has witnessed no terror attack since 9/11. But year after year, our situation continues to deteriorate,” said Mansukhani.

Devika Rotawan, 13, the youngest victim of the 26/11 attacks still walks with a limp after being hit by a bullet at CST. “Why should people suffer like this in their own city? The Mumbai police has no guts,” she said.

But not all survivors have lost hope. “This time, the police reached the attack sites within minutes of the blasts,” said Mohammed Ali Haideria, 26, a chef, who survived 26/11 attack.
(With inputs from Zahra Gabuji)