Dear Terrorist,

Even if you are not reading this we don't care.

Time and again you tried to disturb us and disrupt our life -- killing innocent civilians by planting bombs in trains, buses and cars. You have tried hard to bring death and destruction, cause panic and fear and create communal disharmony. But every time you were unsuccessful.

Do you know how difficult life in Mumbai is? Do you know what it takes for us to earn that single rupee? If you wanted to shock us, then we are sorry to say that you failed miserably. Better look elsewhere.

We are not Hindus and Muslims or Gujaratis and Marathis or Punjabis and Bengalis. Nor do we distinguish ourselves as owners or workers, government employees or private employees.

We are Mumbaikars, or Bombay-ites, if you like. We will not allow you to disrupt our life like this.

On the last few occasions when you struck -- including the many deadly blasts in a single day killing over 250 people and injuring many more in 1993 -- we went to work the next day in full strength.

This time, we were back to normal within a few hours -- the vendors taking their next order, businessmen finalising the next deals and the office workers rushing to catch the next train. Yes, the same train you targeted.

Fathom this: Within three hours of the blasts, long queues of blood donating volunteers were seen outside various hospitals where most of the injured were admitted. The next day, schools and offices functioned. The city has simply moved on, perhaps with greater vigour.

We are Mumbaikars and we live like brothers in times like this. So, do not dare to threaten us with your crackers.

The spirit of Mumbai is too strong for you to handle.

Please forward this to others. Your fellow terrorists in Afghanistan, Pakistan or Iraq can also learn some important lessons from this.

Unflinchingly yours,
The people of Mumbai

(Letter written by Nazir Usman)