Asked why the terrorists, whom international connections are taking shape, chose to attack Mumbai, mgr. Gracias explains that "Mumbai is the financial and commercial heart of the country, and because, by attacking the city, the terrorist intended to attack the whole country and all that in India stands for modernity and progress. Bear in mind that they had also selected American, British and Israeli nationals to kill them. Probably in the attempt to give a message". As to the fear that what happened might pour fuel on the hostility of the Hindu fundamentalists against the religious minorities, especially against the Christians that have already been persecuted in the state of Orissa and in other regions of India, the prelate states: "I do not think Christians in particular will suffer the consequences of these attacks, but we must be vigilant. Of course, the population of Mumbai and the Indian population in general are worried about the deficiencies of the intelligence services that allowed such a carefully-planned attack to take place. Yet, Mumbai has already suffered devastating terrorist attacks in the past". "Democracy is our strength he concludes , but we have a feeling that the authorities have deserted us, underestimating the danger".
