The sheer audacity with which terrorists struck and caused carnage in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 26 is unprecedented. We asked some Mumbaikars, now settled in Pune, about their memories of a city lost in the quagmire of violence and where they think the metropolis is headed.

Aporajita Mukherjee, Entrepreneur
Before shifting to Pune in 2004, I was a Mumbaikar and stayed in Lower Parel. I often used to go out to the Oberoi Trident for a late night bite and have some really happy memories of times spent there. But what has happened is terrible and no matter which strata of society you belong to, this simply cannot be tolerated by anyone. Along with ensuring that its citizens get the basic amenities, the government must make sure that they are safe and secure. The irony is that in all this, no politician ever gets affected; it's only the common man who has to suffer the most.

Chef Shahid Karim Khan, Head Chef, Kiva Lounge
I was with the Taj, Mumbai for nearly eight years and while I may have shifted base to Pune, the Taj will always remain special for me. But now, as I see my former place of work being so ruthlessly violated, I want to just go back there and be of help, in any which way. These terrorists don't realize how much damage they are causing by these dastardly acts. They say they are fighting so that past wrongs can be avenged, but in the process, they are giving a bad name to our entire community in India. I personally condemn this cowardly attack on Mumbai.

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