Citizen Journalist: Security is my birthright

Tired of feeling he was on a battleground every time he left home, a Mumbaikar spent hours photographing three railway stations under terror threats. Not once, was he stopped and asked a single question. This is his experience

There have been regular terror threats at railway stations in the city. In order to prove the gaps that exist in security, I took my camera and entered three major stationsu00a0- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Churchgate and Dadar.

I spent hours at these stations, clicking hundreds of photographs, but not once was I questioned about my movements. I passed by the desk of the police several times, but the officers were happily chatting away.u00a0

With such lax security, what's the guarantee that someone with intent to harm will be stopped?
Politicians complain that youngsters do not come out to vote, but what is the use of our voting, if they cannot ensure our safety?

Why do we see action from the state only after there is a bomb blast? And these measures too fade away after a while. Attacks have taken place on the most unexpected days. Therefore, the government should ensure watertight security around the clock.

Every day, when I leave home for college, my mother prays for my safety, as if I am going to fight on the battlefield. I don't want to live with the fear of being attacked, every time I step out of my house.
Ideally, unguarded entries and exits at all stations should be sealed. Security equipment should be repaired and their functioning regularly monitored. The situation is worse at other stations such as Elphinstone Road, Lower Parel, Bandra and King's Circle. Have the repeated terror attacks made our system indifferent to threats?

Instead of spending Rs 350 crore on a statue, the money could be spent on increasing security. We need to ensure that the police and concerned government bodies are made accountable for their actions and lack of them. I will not tolerate such instances of lax security any more. I want my rights. I want change.