Bollywood suggests how Mumbai
can get back on its feet
By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai,
Dec 5 (IANS) Ask questions, don't compromise and vote for
the right leader - the film fraternity, which is still in
a state of shock and anger after the terror attacks here feels
all this will help in putting the derailed system back in
place.
As
Mahesh Bhatt put it: "Inside sources reveal that the
worst is yet to come. India is caught in the vortex of terrorism.
The political class has consistently failed us. We'd be foolish
to imagine that the answers will come from them. We can't
help ourselves. And there's no one out there to help us."
According
to Shilpa Shetty, "We must immediately accept assistance
and advice from other countries who are well-versed with handling
terrorism, no shame in that.
"And
we must reduce Z-level security for politicians and their
families and use that for the hapless public. But first things
first. Increase the salaries of all police and security forces
so they don't feel short-changed. This would automatically
reduce corruption."
Many
in the film fraternity opined : "Politicians need to
be proactive and not just reactive. Yes, politicians have
failed us, and not for the first time. And to top it all,
former deputy chief minister R.R. Patil's statement that these
'small incidents happen in big cities' was shocking and careless."
Subhash
Ghai felt that "what we need are educated, non-avaricious
politicians to change the quality of governance. In the next
election we all must vote, and vote for the right leaders.
Please remember we are not getting the leaders we deserve.
And we are responsible".
Madhur
Bhandarkar felt there was "no point" in pointing
fingers at politicians.
"The whole machinery has collapsed. The mood this time
is different from the other attacks. People are feeling angry
and defeated. Mumbai's mythic spirit of resilience is gone.
They want action. In the coming elections, Mumbaikars will
exercise their franchise far more carefully. We'll get a more
accountable and responsible government. And we won't let 26/11
happen again in Mumbai," the director contended.
"Enough
pampering the refugees, migrants and human rights activists
who go on, on and on about the homeless," said Raveena
Tandon, adding: "We in Mumbai now need to protect our
homes. Where were these activists when our innocent Mumbaikars
were being killed?
"They've
legalised illegal Bangladeshis, turned a blind eye to infiltration.
We have to deport the illegal immigrants. Make the laws tighter
and leave no loopholes for terrorism. Let's not sit on the
same table with countries that harbour terrorism. The government
has failed us.
"Amend
the constitution so that no politician with criminal antecedents
is given ticket to contest the elections. Above all, stand
united with our Muslim, Marathi, Bihari, Sikh, Christian,
Gujarati and Dalit citizens. Let not the world think we're
fragmented from inside," Tandon argued.
"First
of all," said Victor Banerjee, "we need to condemn
violence and terror without prejudice towards caste, creed
or community. All citizens of all religions have been victims
and perpetrators at the some time. Let's look inwards and
see where we need to amend our own morality along with the
laws."
Imtiaz
Ali stressed the need to "ask questions. Stop always
compromising and adjusting. Whether to mindless digging of
the roads or thoughtless security arrangements. Don't be scared.
Stand tall and pull up whoever is responsible. If we stop
taking things lying down during normal times, I'm sure such
aberrations won't occur".
Ranvir
Shorey felt "we're now a nation at war. Basic military
training should be made mandatory for all of us. If we can't
be protected by the people we elect to do so, let's find our
own protection. I think there's no hope from the politicians.
"May be we can still count on the bureaucracy if the
corruption and greed for power that stems from their bosses
cease and their work conditions improve," Shorey maintained.
According
to Irrfan Khan, "we need to wake up to our power to vote
and not be swayed by false promises. It's clear that politicians
don't do anything unless it enhances their vote bank. We need
to look for other means of protecting ourselves.
Kunal
Kohli said: "We've not been defeated by well-trained
terrorists, but by incompetent politicians. We don't want
speeches about investigations. We want results, answers, action
and accountability."
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