Citizens get proactive to demonstrate solidarity and heal wounds

CandleElight vigils, human chains, prayer meetings to mourn the dead and art exhibitions dedicated to the victims. Mumbai reacts and mourns the loss of life and the terror attacks that ravaged the city for three days non-stop.

On Friday night a group of concerned citizens, NGOs got together to meet in Goregaon, under the umbrella name Mumbai For Peace. Consisting of many organisations the plan is to stage an action to forge solidarity and unity amongst the people of Mumbai.

“We plan to form a human chain across the city, like

people did during the ‘93 riots in the city,” says Cubby Sherman, an activist and documentary filmmaker who attended the meeting.

“Combating terrorism needs political will, not a military solution or short term measures like draconian laws, CCTVs and metal detectors. The deeper roots of various kinds of terror need to be understood and dealt with. A solution would involve, among other things, the settlement of underlying and deep-seated, long-standing conflicts: India-Pakistan, Kashmir, communalism, and attacks on minorities. We totally reject ‘jehad’ in the name of Islam, Hindutva ‘revenge terrorism’ and all forms of violence which brutalize society,” writes the Mumbai For Peace committee.

While the plans are still being set in place and final organizing decisions need to be made, the Human Chain will stretch across the city on December 10, which is recognised as International Human Rights Day.

“Let’s show them how many we are and how tired and frustrated we are. Let’s all come together at the Gateway of India, this coming Wednesday at 6 pm. Let’s ask for what is our right: to live fearlessly,” so reads an SMS forwarded by concerned citizen Nakul K who walked out of Leopold ten minutes before the terror attacks broke out.

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