Unsung heroes

Post 26/11, cops are leaving no stone unturned to protect Mumbai, but have received no appreciation for their work

ON THEIR TOES: After the terror strikes, bunkers have come up in every nook and cranny of the city

Post 26/11, cops are leaving no stone unturned to protect Mumbai, but have received no appreciation for their work

During the 26/11 attacks, the city lost three of its top cops. Fourteen policemen, and two NSG commandos laid their lives to save Mumbai from the terrorists, who held the city at gunpoint for over 60 hours.

Post the terror strikes, the city's policeu00a0 is on high alert. Leaves have been cancelled and they are seen working round-the-clock. But are their efforts being appreciated?

Sad comparison

In India, you would rather be a sportsperson than chose to serve the nation for the latter appears to be a thankless job. When India won the T20 World Cup, the government paid lakhs to the team as a token of appreciation.
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Abhinav Bindra, who struck gold at the Beijing Olympics was showered with appreciation by the government and was given Rs 3 crore as prize money.

These sportsperson are made heroes and remembered forever.

If you compare this, to the recognition received by cops or army personnel, who sacrificed their lives, it all seems so little. Assistant Sub Inspector Tukaram Omble faced the terrorist armed with an AK-47 with a lathi.

He lost his life and had it not been for him Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab would not have been captured alive. But, what is the compensation that his family has received from the government? Just a few lakhs.u00a0
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Better pay

We, the people of India and the Indian government, say that these brave men will always be remembered and will always remain in our hearts. But, this will not help their families survive.
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The government should pay the families of these policemen and commandos, the entire salary till their retirement age along with the pension. And it's important that they speed up this process.
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During the attacks, much of the city's police force was on duty for over 60 hours. But, did they did not receive any appreciation neither in cash nor in kind. These are great men and they need a little love and appreciation from their countrymen.