26/11: Attack on Mumbai review

Behind the veil of gloom
Deccan Herald

Looking back at the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai is like putting your fingers back into the fire.

It hurts even more because the compassionate stories and thought-provoking commentaries that come up in the aftermath of the bloody event did not serve much purpose. 26/11: The Attack on Mumbai traces the attacks on India’s financial capital as it unfolded in a series of stories from ‘The Hindustan Times’ reporters and some exclusive articles by well known writers and journalists.

Browsing through the book, one could get the glimpse of those trapped inside the Taj, the Oberoi and also the men involved in the rescue operations. It brings forth the emotive human spirit and also why Mumbai city got back to its feet as soon as it was brought down on its knees.

The book also covers the immediate political fallout — the higher middle class angst against politicians and how soon it cooled down; change in Pakistan’s stance — that country for the first time admitted that its citizens were involved in the terror attacks against India. Behind the veil of gloom, 26/11 also presents some amusing stories on politicians and wannabe superstars among India’s top security officials.

Some might feel it’s like re-reading ‘dead’ newspaper reports. That’s where you could get bored. There are also few factual errors which could have been avoided. Otherwise, 26/11 presents a diverse view of the event — from inside and outside, top and below — to let you to draw your own conclusions as to why such a dastardly act could happen. Among the many commentaries, the closing piece, ‘Terrorist’ by noted film director Mahesh Bhatt, leaves a lasting impact on the reader’s mind as he presses the need for redemption through his talks with a terrorist.