A group of 100 young bikers will in their own special way bring closure to the city’s wounds of 26/11. The youths will hold a bike rally in the city today to salute the judiciary for its quick verdict on the fate Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the terror attack.
The rally, which will see both men and women bikers ride along side, will begin at 12.30 pm from the Trident Hotel, which was one of the targets during the three-day siege in 2008. The enthusiastic group will then pass by all locations attacked by the Pakistani terrorists — the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), the Taj Mahal Hotel and Leopold Cafe. The rally will culminate at the Oberoi Hotel on Marine Drive, where the group will hoist a flag in memory of the 26/11 victims and martyrs.
“In the past, we have seen people waiting for close to a decade for the delivery of justice. The very fact that the Kasab trial verdict came out in a year’s time is commendable,” said Nikhil Gandhi, business head, UTV Bindass, who conceptualised the rally.
Naziya Shaikh (name changed), a college student from a conservative Muslim family, will participate in the rally without the knowledge of her parents. “Participating in a rally like this is one of the mediums through which I can voice my opinion,” said Shaikh, who will borrow a friend’s bike for the rally.
Twenty-two-year-old Jai Singh, who is all geared up to ride, wants to thank the judiciary for taking a decision that is “favourable for the public”.
“Post 26/11 there was a lot of angst among the youth. But, the court’s judgment made us happy as finally justice prevailed,” added Singh.
After the gruesome attacks, various youth groups came forward to voice their opinions against terrorism, but most fizzled out. According to Shaikh, the reason for this being; youth have little access to channels through which they can voice their opinion in the public domain. “Only if you are a celebrity kid, your opinion is heard,” added Shaikh.
