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Angry protests in Mumbai, leaders slammed over attacks

MUMBAI: Thousands of people took to the streets of Mumbai on Wednesday to demand that India’s leaders do more to protect them from extremists, exactly a week after the deadly attacks on the city.
Large, vocal crowds chanting “we want justice” gathered around the Gateway of India monument, opposite the Taj Mahal hotel that was one of the sites hit by terrorists. At least 188 people were killed and more than 300 injured in a 60-hour stand-off between 10 heavily-armed terrorists and security forces in what the media here have dubbed ‘India’s 9/11’. Protesters, some holding placards saying “enough is enough”, ranged in age from teenagers to people in their 70s. Many were middle class residents who said it was the first time they had taken part in a public demonstration.
“We’ve come to show our solidarity against the apathy of the government and we want the government to change and be proactive and not lazy,” said Abiti Phoksey, a 64-year-old woman who runs an upholstery business. “They have a duty towards the nation,” she added. The rally was organised largely through text messages calling for a “non co-operative movement” to show political leaders that they should do more to ensure national security. A series of intelligence failings have been highlighted in recent days, including revelations that India was warned about a possible terror strike on Mumbai by sea several months ago. afp

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