India is in a sorrowful and angry mood. Having just passed the first anniversary of the “26/11” terrorist bombings in Mumbai, it continues to deal with a growing list of apparently Pakistani-inspired spies and terrorists.
The feeling was palpable on the streets of Mumbai, where I stayed during the week of the anniversary, as part of a Canadian International Council research trip to India.
There was anger in the air as the nation paid tribute to the 166 “martyrs” of the attacks on a popular café, a Jewish community centre, two luxury hotels, the Trident Oberoi and the Taj Mahal Palace, and the main railway station.
I was struck by the outpouring of grief, particularly by the thousands who massed by the Gateway of India on the anniversary. I was also struck by the unconcealed and understandable anger that has been directed towards the terrorists, as well as against Pakistan, with which India has fought three major wars. Pakistan has admitted to being the source of the masterminds of the attacks and of the 10 terrorists themselves, who, a year ago, held the nation ransom for an incredible 60 hours.
