The Police and the 26/11 Terror Attack in Mumbai

Recently one of my friends while going through a job portal on the net came across an opening asking for a head of security. But what intrigued him was a line that stated service personnel (armed forces) are not preferred. I would have dismissed such an ad as a joke but for the fact that serious issues are involved. Probably the advertiser wanted men from the civil side and perhaps from the Police. The Advertisement shows a serious flaw in the thinking of some people who cannot reconcile to the fact that as on date the unity of the country is only because of the army and its presence in remote areas of the country.

The terrorist attack of 26/11 is worth examining and the efficacy of the Mumbai police can be examined in the background of whether the Police are a patch on the army in such matters. The 26/11 attack was master minded from Pakistan and a group of hard core terrorist was deputed to attack installations in Mumbai. The terrorists attacked a number of important landmarks like the Taj hotel, The Oberai, Leopold Café and CST railway station and spread mayhem and terror all around.

What was the response of the Police before the Army intervened? The response can be gauged from the following

The terrorists landed from the sea at Cuffe parade and the nearby police station had no clue. This was because of a lack of surveillance system and no local intelligence at all. Not a happy thing for a police force that is supposed to be the eyes and ears of the onset of any crime.
Even when the first news of gun fire reached police headquarters most police showed their ignorance and assumed it was some local gangster from Bhendi Bazaar. Thus the seriousness of the situation was not gauged. This points to s serious lacuna in appreciating the conduct of terrorist and their ilk
The ATS chief and his men needlessly died as they took the entire episode casually. Having no knowledge of terror attacks and ensconced in plush offices these men never appreciated the gravity of the situation and moved about as if they were dealing with petty criminals. Not withstanding their bravery, the other members of the police force made no attempt to reach them and allowed them to die. This points to a serious lacuna in morale and training,
While the attack on the Leopold restaurant was underway, no police from the nearby Colaba police station emerged, which is just a stones throw from the café. This inaction has never been explained. Was it the element of fear?
The Police failed to act and nab the terrorists as they had no appreciation of the terror attacks and at each stage of operations showed their inaptitude. Even the ex Police Commissioner in a report to the government commented on the attitude and cowardice of some of the senior police officials.

Thus when all is said and done Advertisements like the one issued on one of he job portals need to be seriously reviewed. The Police in India cannot match the Army and to deny the forces their place in the sun is a calamity that perhaps is not understood by such advertisers.