Mumbai Attacked - A rare show of discipline and restraint

All we have seen so far is confusion and tabloid TV. The media has shamed itself yet again by not sensationalizing everything, asking insensitive questions and going on and on about "the final assault". The politicians, our elderly leaders with one leg in the grave, PM Manmohan Singh, L.K Advani, Shivraj Patil, Pranab Mukherjee, have yet again shown how out of touch they are. But this post is about something else.

In the first few hours, the Maharashtra Home Minister gave out wrong information about the number of terrorists, but at that stage no one knew details and it was nothing more than a pathetic attempt at putting up a brave face. The Chief Minister addressed one press conference that was as ineffective as his 4+ year rule in Maharashtra. It became clear that no one was in charge.

During these past 24-36 hours, one interesting thing seems to be coming out. The security agencies and the politicians have been amazingly disciplined and restrained in what and how they have communicated via the media and other sources. Let me explain since it does not come across as obviously as the more brazen things that have happened.

While one was frustrated at the lack of information and the absence of a common face/name who appeared in charge, no one spoke to the media making any bold and stupid pronouncements. Not a single person. The politicians were shut up. There have been no embarrassing leaks that could have affected the morale of those in the middle of this tragedy. The paper tiger and his junior versions have been kept quiet, a big thing considering they are not known to be capable of exercising restraint and it is obvious someone is shutting them up. Of course, they will spew venom later and are already planning to call for a "Bandh", but for now they are not part of this problem.

The two most relevant people speaking to the media were from the armed forces - the NSG DJ J.K.Dutt and Major General R.K.Hooda - and their comments were clear, crisp, without speculation, providing enough information without compromising their operation. Granted there was little for the authorities, politicians and otherwise, to brag about, but remember that these are people not known to be able to resist the temptation of scoring political points and making innuendos (one of them did fall prey to the temptation but more about that later).

There seems to be a strict control over information that is getting out and whoever is in charge, seems to be doing a great job under unimaginable pressure.

Just hang in there and help us get through this.

It's 2.50 AM here, 7.20 AM in Bombay and I hope this ends soon.