Why is Mumbai targeted again and again?

Five terror attacks in less than two decades. Since March 1993, Mumbai has periodically witnessed terror attacks. Why is the city being targeted again and again? Has it something to do with the layout of the city and its population density? HT reports.

Five terror attacks in less than two decades. Since March 1993, Mumbai has periodically witnessed terror attacks.

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The immediate backdrop to the 1993 blasts was the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the riots in the city.

Why is the city being targeted again and again? Has it something to do with the layout of the city and its population density?

“Mumbai and Delhi will always remain terror targets. Delhi is the political capital and Mumbai the financial one. An attack on a city like Mumbai always rocks the nation and gets the attention of the world, which is what terrorist groups want,” said state public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who was also home minister of the state.

"Also, the population density is such that a terror attack in Mumbai causes more casualties and unfortunately creates the desired impact for the terrorist groups," he added.

So is it possible to prevent terror attacks on the city?

Those who handled security say it is tough for the police to prevent a terror attack — a reason why such groups choose Mumbai.

“The population of the city makes it an easy target for the terrorists. The idea behind these kinds of terrorism is to spread fear. As such, the target of the terrorists is the average citizen, which is not difficult in Mumbai,” opined former state home secretary Chandra Iyengar.

Also, the floating population in Mumbai is high, which makes policing a tough job. “It is difficult to put in place long-term safeguards in a city like Mumbai and the police have to rely largely on the network of informers and intelligence inputs,” she added.