I have just one comment for now. Why this sudden attention on Mumbai blasts, why only today? Till now, for the past 3-4 months, India has been racked with bomb blasts, in every imaginable and unimaginable place possible.
But only today, CNN has woken up to the fact, and covered it in depth.
Is it because there is a potential hint of injury/ harm to Westerners , tourists, businessmen, etc in India. Especially since the attacks focused on the two top 5-star hotels, where obviously, ninety percent of foreigners stay.
I remember last year, when presidential elections in India were barely covered by US media. We had a woman elected President, of the largest democracy in the world. No coverage. When it hits closer to home, the media wakes up: the state dept sets up a hotline for information about US citizens whereabouts, and major coverage is given.
However, on the positive side, the very nature of setting up a hotline in so little time itself should be applauded. The concern they have for citizens overseas is indeed worth appreciating. Also is the fact that the news anchors here, covering the story, tried to give as much factual information about the city of Mumbai ,as such, to their viewers here.
In India, the ATS chief was clearly shown having 2 others to help him wear his hard hat,and bullet proof vest. Unfortunately, he was himself killed in line of fire.
I hope the government is able to pinpoint the responsibility for this horrific incident on the right people/ group. We do not want more accusations flying back and forth between India and Pakistan, with no resolution in sight.
Please, enforce more security in all cities of India, make the people feel safe again. Use technology more usefully, in detecting such national threats in advance.
One last thing I want to say is: please stop airing ITDC ads for promoting tourism in India, on US news networks. It does sound and feel quite awkward, to be asking people to come visit "Incredible India", right after being told that there were 9 bomb blasts in one city, in one night,and there are Westerners being taken hostages. Without assurance to security of life, who would want to visit India for leisure? When Indians themselves are gettiing scared of stepping out of their homes, is it reasonable to expect tourists?
1 comment:
This is exactly the topic I have been arguing with Gana since morning... I hear you!
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