Ungrateful Mumbai wants ‘chic qurbani’

When the terrorists' bullets exploded into Tukaram Omble's stomach, he was not wearing an NSG commando's uniform. When he challenged two terrorists at Girgaum chowpatty, where their run on a hijacked car was stopped, Omble was armed with only a lathi. Yet, Mumbai learnt later that he had another weapon that few Mumbaikars thought an assistant sub-inspector like Omble would carry: courage that outstrips the collective bravado of all the Indian six-pack jocks. While some fled from the scene fearing death, Omble looked in the eyes of death and embraced it.

Another officer who fought with courage and conviction was IPS officer Sadanand Date, who engaged the two terrorists at Cama Hospital. The two bullets which hit the lone survivor, Mohammed Ajmal Amir, were fired by Date from his service revolver. It was only when the terrorists threw two hand grenades at Date and his party, injuring all of them seriously, that the terrorists managed to escape. Date led from the front and set a glorious example.

The rest of the story is well known. Omble did not let go of Ajmal’s assault rifle even though it was spraying death. That act allowed Omble’s colleagues to capture Ajmal alive and kill his accomplice. I say the story is well known, but we all know that it is still an addendum to other acts of valour in which Mumbai found some redemption and solace amid the devastation of 26/11.

Nothing I say here is intended to question the service or memory of other worthy men who died to protect us. The mental strength and physical toughness that the policemen, commandos, and fire-fighters demonstrated are traits that few ordinary citizens can comprehend, let alone emulate. So, the tributes that are still paid to these extraordinary people are fitting, and indeed humbling, to folks like us who grumble about the rigours of corporate life.

That said, I must also point out that Omble's sacrifice has, inexplicably, not made it to the shrine of public gratitude: the electronic media. Although it would be tiresome to engage in another round of media review, it must be pointed out the first coherent account of Omble's astonishing action was featured by newspapers. Perhaps it is so because news channels were unconsciously following a classist model of coverage.

That much was acknowledged by someone who is considered to be India's pre-eminent TV reporter. She was talking to filmmaker Shyam Benegal on the day the siege ended. He commented that most channels were riveted outside the two hotels and had all but forgotten CST. To which she commented that the channels may have been inadvertently more focused on the people of their class. At least in showing gratitude, let us not ask for ‘chic qurbani’.