Citizens take to streets to protest against blast

Hundreds of school children, professionals and senior citizens took to the streets to protest against Wednesday’s serial blasts through candlelight vigils and a large human chain from Opera House to Zaveri Bazar on Saturday.

Hundreds of school children, professionals and senior citizens took to the streets to protest against Wednesday’s serial blasts through candlelight vigils and a large human chain from Opera House to Zaveri Bazar on Saturday.

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The human chain, organised using Facebook and text messages, included discussions on the issue of terrorism, chanting of slogans and singing the national anthem.

“We are very happy that several bystanders also joined us in the chain. We wanted to pay homage to the innocent people who have lost their lives,” said Suraj Surte, 18, a student from Girgaum.

Several people shouted ‘anti-Kasab’ slogans as they marched to the blast location. “Kasab killed so many people, why is he still being protected?” said Shilpa Maduskar, a doctor who left work early to participate in the human chain.

Some protesters, however, critiqued the use of ‘anti-Pakistan’ slogans by the youth. “In times like this, we need to bridge the differences by peace talks instead of blaming an entire country for terrorism,” said Sarika Verma, 34, a homemaker from Dadar.

At 9pm, the Dongri Welfare Society organised a candlelight march at Dongri Junction attracting many pedestrians who lit candles to pay their respects to the people who lost their lives in the blasts.

“The blasts have left scars that will never heal and I came here with my children because I do not want them to forget these deaths,” said Shaheen Khan, a Dongri resident who lost a friend in the blasts. Some people to pray for the safety and well being of those injured.