The terrorist have once again got the upper hand by changing their tactics. The question is: What will our leaders do now?

Give this act the colour of “Hindu” or “Muslim” terrorism? Play politics over dead police officers? Soften our terror laws further? Use the incident to strengthen their vote banks for the forthcoming elections? It would be foolish to blame the state government or the Mumbai police. They were not able to protect the citizens from ordinary goons of Raj Thackeray. How can we expect them to provide security against hardcore terrorists?

The ATS officials were killed like flies by the terrorists. Does this not raise serious questions about their training, strategy and the equipment used by them? In the TV visuals one could see ATS officials holding guns but in plain clothes without helmets or bullet proof vests.

The issue of security at private installations like hotels, hospitals, etc also needs to be studied in detail. It is at such moments that we all feel helpless and ask ourselves “Is there any place which is safe in our country?”