Mah: Mumbai back in spirits

Mumbai, Nov 29: Undeterred by the mayhem that lasted for 59 hours in this metropolis, its citizens have once again proved their true 'Mumbaikar' spirit. People from different walks of life stood by each other at the moment when a few terrorists were determined to shatter and siege the financial capital of world'd largest democracy.

When the defence and security forces were doing their duty in combating the terrorists, who besieged the heritage building of the Taj Mahal Palace along with five star Trident hotel and the residential Nariman House on the night of November 26, the citizens were busy doing their bit as Mumbaikars.

''We are here to do our little bit as Mumbaikar's. We are trying to provide food and other essentials to those who have been rescued by our brave soldiers from the captive of the militants,'' said Dashmesh Darbar, a volunteer from Central Mumbai.

Several others like Dashmesh irrespective of caste, religion and state gathered near the terror struck sites to provide food, water and other items of neccessity.

Several NGOs and charitable trusts tried to ease the discomfort of the security forces and equally tenacious media to carry out the combing operation and keep the nation updated.

''We are Mumbaikars and we will not let anyone divide us in the name of religion or state. At this hour of crisis it is our duty to save the nation from such perpetrators of terrorist attacks,'' said another.

Their contributions in the form of food, water and refreshments were a welcome sight for the tired souls who kept vigil on each and every development since the last three days in the besieged zones, where not a single shop was open following curfew.

Some were trying to ease the tensed foreigners, who were rescued from the hotels but have lost something or other in the form of their loved ones or passports.

Even as the faces of terror went on to dent the spirit of the people even more badly since the last train blasts in the city in 2006, the people emerged more confident and brave.

In time of adversity, the cosmopolitan fibre of the city keeps itself united and awake to fight against those who try to shatter the spirit of the city, which never sleeps.

UNI