Protesting 26/11, citizens form human chain in Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 12 (PTI) Nearly 60,000 Indians including
several celebrities Friday formed a 50 km long 'human chain
for peace' which passed through the worst-hit sites of the
recent Mumbai terror attacks - the Taj Hotel, Oberoi, Trident
Hotel and the Nariman House here.

Locals poured on to the streets Friday noon and formed
the massive human chain criss-crossing the streets of the
metropolis to condemn the audacious terror attacks on November
26.

Prominent citizens like Mahatma Gandhi's great
grandson Tushar Gandhi, lyricist Javed Akhtar, actor Rahul
Bose and former Mayor Shanti Patel participated in the human
chain to mark their solidarity.

"Terrorists have no religion, they are only
terrorists. But it is not fair to hold the entire Muslim
community responsible for terrorism," Akhtar said.

"We are against the enemies of the country whether
they are Muslims or Hindus," he said.

"We have seen so much of hatred and bloodshed in our
city that we will not give in to terror and to those who
preach war, violence, hatred and intolerance," Jatin Desai an
NGO activist of Mumbai for Peace said.

The citizens have come together to keep Mumbai a city
that is peaceful and united and to build a world-based on the
principles of tolerance and peace, equality and justice, he
said.

The human chain was formed in three parts crossing
three different routes -- the first one surrounded with the
three hotels that were attacked in south Mumbai. The second
stretched from Nariman Point to Mira Road in Western suburb
covering the distance of nearly 50 kms.

The third chain covered a distance of about 30 km
running across various places in Central Mumbai including
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, another place targeted by the
terrorists.

On November 26, ten armed militants unleashed mayhem
in the financial capital of the country, killing 183 and
injuring hundreds of other.

People displayed placards like "Hum Sab Ek Hai",
"Bharat Mata Ki Jai", "No More Violence" and condemned the
terror attacks with strong-worded slogans.

"Some people are trying to divide us on the lines of
religion. But we want to show them that we are united and will
continue our fight against terrorism," Milan Soni, a student
from St Joseph School, said.

"This was a gesture to make people conscious and aware
of the need to fight against terror and for better
Governance," F R Allwyn, an activist who was part of the chain
at Mira Road in western suburb, said.

"We will also organise seminars and workshops to
discuss how the city's security system can be improved and the
root cause of terrorism be eradicated," Allwyn said.

The demonstrators said that it was the time to choose
the right leader who can deal with such issues.

"Since elections are round the corner, citizens should
vote and elect right leader who can solve such issues and also
fulfil the promises," said Dolphy D'Souza, a demonstrator. PTI