By IANS,
Mumbai : Maharashtra Governor S.C. Jamir Friday expressed apprehensions that the terror attack – one of the worst in the country – was intended “to disturb the communal harmony of Maharashtra and destroy the economic supremacy of Mumbai”.
Addressing the people of state on radio at 7.15 p.m. and TV at 9.15 p.m. Jamir said the apparent motive of the terrorists was to create fear in the minds of the people and stall the progress and development of the nation.
The governor said terrorism was a war by proxy and terrorists have no region or religion. “Innocent people, women and children are often the victims of terrorism.”
He pointed out that terrorism had posed the greatest ever challenge to civilised nations, democratic governments and humanity at large.
“Terrorists have staged numerous attacks in India in the last couple of years and Mumbai alone has been the victim of terror on many occasions.”
“Even during the last two days, a handful of misguided terrorists have again held the city of Mumbai to ransom. They have brought not just the city of Mumbai, but the entire nation under the spell of terror.”
“However,” Jamir said, “this sordid episode must serve as an eye-opener for each one of us and not just for the security forces who have the responsibility to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and to ensure the safety of the citizens.”
He assured the people that the brave members of the combined security forces would secure the safe release of the people who have been held hostage and bring the agents of terror and their sponsors to justice.
Jamir said the time had come for each one of us to gird up our loins, stand up and be in the forefront of the war against terror and together send the message to the global community that “there is no place for terrorism in India, Mumbai shall remain safe, most dynamic, cosmopolitan and secure for people and businesses.”