It's been a month since 26/11

India's financial capital seems to be back on its feet after the most horrific terror attack in its history. But a month later, as India and Pakistan trade charges over 26/11, memories of those terrifying 60 hours continue to haunt the city.A number of events were organised across Maharashtra as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives during the terror attack. This season, which is usually marked by festivities, has seen a conspicuously sombre cloud hanging over the city. As many as 18 policemen and security personnel, including ATS chief Hemant Karkare, additional commissioner Ashok Kamte and inspector Vijay Salaskar were killed on 26/11. NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan too was gunned down. In all, 178 lives were lost during the attack. Mumbai, however, was quickly back in business. The two hotels — the Taj Mahal Hotel and Trident — that were severely affected reopened within three weeks of being attacked. Both the hotels were open to the public on December 21, while Leopold Cafe — a well-known pub that was also targeted — was back in business in less than a fortnight. In the past 30 days, the city has been through one upheaval after the other — be it social or political. Once the city was freed from the terrorist attacks, Mumbai’s citizens were out on the streets in large numbers to express their solidarity with the families of those killed during the ordeal. The attacks also triggered a wave of resentment against politicians, and more than one of the breed lost his job. Shivraj Patil quit as Union home minister while the state witnessed the exit of its chief minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh, and his deputy RR Patil. In the backdrop of enhanced awareness about security, checking of vehicles and additional security at important locations have become a common feature. The police, on their part, say they are doing whatever they can to restore public confidence. “One can see a large number of armed policemen in the city’s streets. Big establishments and housing societies are being given security tips,” said K Venkatesham, additional commissioner of police (South). The police claims to have made excellent progress on the attacks, with much of their lead coming from Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist who was arrested. “We will get to the root of the conspiracy,” Mumbai police commissioner Hasan Gafoor said.