Yogeesh
I came to France 15 years ago. France was a very safe country then, not really the safest nation though. It had witnessed terror attacks in the 1990s. However, these things did not affect the common people much.
Paris has many "no go" areas full of refugees and migrants. These are breeding grounds for terrorists. Global Islamist groups brainwash young men and women, turn them against the same nation which feeds them and gives them security.
Unfortunately, France has been the worst target of several dastardly terror attacks in recent times. Over 5000 French nationals have gone to Syria to fight for the Islamic State or ISIS.
Many underground Islamist organisations in France are recruiting these young men and women. In recent times, we saw Charlie Hebdo attacks, and a few incidents that followed. Despite growing threat of terrorism, France has continued with liberal policies, and sadly the same is destroying France from within. We need tough action.
France's "liberty, equality and fraternity" may not work when you deal with religious fanatics. They don't understand democratic values. You need to be very tough when you deal with the barbarians.
Last night, I was in the outskirts of Paris to meet a friend at her home. During dinner, I got a call that terrorists have attacked the city. We got scared. I decided not to return and stayed at my friend's house. I was awake the entire night. I made several calls to my friends to know what was happening.
Everybody is scared. There is a lot of anger. All are demanding severe action against the terrorists and their handlers. The area where I am staying currently is quiet disturbed. Nobody slept last night. I saw lot of people crying loudly after hearing about the attacks.
There is an uneasy calm. People are terrified. Police have heightened security. I heard the sound of sirens all through the night. Some said, it was like a night during the second World War.
The situation is something similar to what India went through during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
The anger is growing. It is almost 6 o' clock in the morning. Quiet cold too. I am planning to return to my city home. But, I don't think it is possible till 10 o' clock in the morning because the mayor has asked people not to venture out. City buses, metro and taxis are also not running, I was told. I can't independently verify this.
The outskirts, where I am currently sitting and watching the attacks on the TV screens, is terrified beyond belief. There is an eerie silence and French people are worried about the future of their nation and cherished values of France.
I hope, this dastardly incident won't create more trouble for the legal migrants who have been here for a long time.
I feel like crying. I have never seen anything like this. Hope it is going to be the last.
(Yogeesh is an art curator and a teacher. He has been living in Paris for the past 15 years.)
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