Last Friday marked the beginning of a sad chapter in the history of Bangalore, a city known for amity, peace and harmony though the city too had suffered a few riots.
The difference between Bangalore and other cities is that the people are open to finer influences and foreign presences. It is the home of several high tech industries and software giants like Wipro, Infosys, not to speak of IBM and Texas Instruments.
Was the attack in the city just a dry run for something bigger?
In fact such a ‘dry run’ did take place in Channapatna, approximately 50km away. The local police did not realise the significance. The next presumption is that the people entrusted with the task were ill-trained. Whatever the reason, one should say the city escaped with a few scars.
Not so in Ahmedabad, which suffered heavy casualties. The methods were the same.
The state government has appreciated the gravity of the problem. Yet the citizens’ role is crucial. Pranksters did play tricks, making several hoax calls. This is puts heavy demands on the already stretched police force. Unless the citizens form a force of their own and interact with the police to alert them of suspicious movements and characters, the menace may not subside.
That and the cooperation of landlords, homowners who let out their premises.
More importantly, the mindset of the people too should change. They should become more vigilant.