‘SOMEBODY’, the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, the Chief Secretary, the D.G. Police, the Police Commissioner, the next in command at the ATS – ‘SOMEBODY’ had to stand up and take charge and coordinate things. ‘SOMEBODY’, who even if not fully knowledgeable about all these matters could receive suggestions from others as possible in that time frame and select and decide on which ones to act upon and when and how.‘SOMEBODY’ who would have done the best he could in the circumstances and not be paralyzed by the fear of making some mistakes.

This Leadership was what was lacking. This is what we need to ensure is available the next time some crisis like this erupts. There surely will be a next time, not necessarily a terrorist matter, perhaps a natural or even a manmade disaster, but whatever sort of calamity it be, we can under proper Leadership and prior preparation ensure that it will be much less traumatic and damaging on all counts.

LEADERSHIP … is it really too much to ask of our so-called LEADERS?

Conclusion

The response to the 26/11 Mumbai Terror attack brought out many lacunae in the functioning of the leadership of our administrative and political organization. We need to study, understand and set-up Standard Operating Procedures at all levels in order to ensure there will never be such lack of proper response and strong leadership in case of any future terror attack or disaster.

Afterword

It is with regret that it is noted that even 16 years later no meaningful steps have really been taken to address the issue raised in this article. No Standard Operating Procedures, No financial procedures, even No understanding and designation of functional leadership. Just Distributing Gallantry Awards as if that would cover-up the lapses. It is time we call on our so- called Leaders at various levels, both political and bureaucratic, to stand up, step forward and be willing to take proper responsibility.

JAI BHARAT! – JAI HIND!

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