Calm and measured

The Parsons Green station “bucket bomb” is the latest. This is the fourth recent terror attack on Londoners, who have long been the target of bombs and have evolved such that they are able to maintain a stoic calm after such acts of terror. Thankfully, there was no loss of life when the improvised explosive device (IED) blew up in a train, but over 29 passengers required hospital treatment. The damage could have been much more — the detonation was partial and left much for the police to examine forensically. The by now usual ISIS claim for the explosion has been issued. 

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, led the widespread condemnation of the attack and seemed to be speaking for the people of his city when he said: “As London has proven, again and again, we will never be intimidated or defeated by terrorism.” An act of terror can happen anywhere, any time. It is the response of the State and of the people that makes a difference. Panic and overreaction is what terrorists would like to have. In India it is the electronic media that overreacts at such times, while people go about their life as usual, which is how it should be. The use of IED in London suggests a local hand, and the police investigation, as expected, is in full gear. Security services in the UK, more so in London, have both experience and the resources to combat terror. Prime Minister Theresa May’s raising the threat level to the highest possible rating suggested that another attack could be expected.

The Underground is the oldest subway system in the world and has been the target of terrorists earlier too, notably in 2005, when four suicide bombers killed 52 persons and injured over 700 in a series of coordinated attacks, three on the subway trains and one on a double-decker bus. Terrorist incidents can only be thwarted, not eliminated altogether. The manner in which the UK security forces have tackled such situations, and the courage of the Londoners who stay calm even as they carry on with their lives, can well thwart the evil designs of those who seek redemption in disruption and terror.