WHITE CLOTH

60 Hours that shocked the Nation.
190 dead. Over 500 injured ..
Mny life changes for ever
and uncover another face of terror

Death was invisible around.
Fire and fear.
Burning Taj. Fire reflections on their faces..
They were the relatives of the hostage trapped inside the Taj

One could see the fear and anxiety
They were waiting for the dead bodies from the Taj
I could see the prayers on their faces-
Hopping that “ My father/ brother / sister / come alive
But I could see many faces brocken , when they bodied were arrived at last

I was in JJ hospital
Ward no 19.
Children. women.. Blood marked blankets
And smell of fear and medicine .
She is just 3 years . lost one eye in the attack
and only son lost his leg
another young boy had been inb coma ...

I asked the Director , JJ Hospital
Sir , Can I help in anyway?

“ Yes ... We are over flowing with victims ..
What you can contribute is that some 1000 meters of white
Cloths.
White cloths ..?
Yes .. To cover dead bodies”

My shocks do not end there
After the commando operations were over
We, the journalists were allowed to have a look at the extend of damage

The lobby of the Taj was black and it was impossible
to walk without out stepping on to Dried Blood


What to do?
She asked me
How can I live without my son?
When could I see him again??

I know.. She will never see her son again
The body was burning at crimation
Jitender was just 21 and was working in Obroi as a room boy
He was killed by insurgents.

And it was evening..
Mumbaikrs were all gathered to light lamps at the Marine drive
Departed Souls were dissolved in to the see
and the candle lights reflected in its water
Like the waves... The life in Mumbai never stops
Its goes on….

P M Narayanan