'Bangalore hasn't learnt from Mumbai's 26/11'

As they light candles in memory of the terror victims, citizens say security still lax a year after the attacks

As they light candles in memory of the terror victims, citizens say security still lax a year after the attacks

Hundreds of Bangaloreans from students, businessmen to those simply passing by Bangalore Central Mall came together yesterday to light candles and pay their tribute to the martyrs of Mumbai's 26/11 attack. On the first anniversary of the attack, Bangaloreans say they do not feel safe in their city.

It's our duty: Raj Sethia feels citizens need to be alert at all times.

THEY CARE: Students Anusha and Abishek feel security has relaxed again following a high just after 26/11. Bangaloreans light candles in memory of the victims of 26/11

Anupama, a student, said, "Security is still lax. The 26/11 attack has not taught us a lesson."

Another student Anusha, who was with her friend Abishek lighting candles, agreed. "After the attack in Mumbai, security was tightened across Bangalore, but now the level of preparedness has dropped again," she said.

Added Vivek Kris, a business analyst, "We feel safe in the city because we have not witnessed anything on the scale Mumbai went through, but I do not think we are safe. Systematic changes are needed at the grassroots level."

Do it yourself

There are also those who believe blaming the government for lax security is not the right thing to do. Raj Sethia, an entrepreneur, said, "It is our duty as citizens to be alert and ensure tight security."

Added Anupama, "This initiative has brought us all together. The attack happened in Mumbai, but we are here together as Indians."