Jamshedpur, Nov. 30: As they lit candles for victims of the Mumbai massacre, emotions — a mix of anger, fear and sorrow — were palpable among steel city residents.

People from all walks of life took part in the Saheedon Ko Naman, organised by the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Bistupur roundabout this evening.

And most blamed politicians for the attack on Mumbai and praised the armymen and commandos for their valour.

“It is time we stop worrying about those who came by boats and worry instead about people who arrived by votes. It is the politicians who have let the country down on so many occasions. This time, too, they failed to take action on time for preventing the attack,” said an angry vice-president (trade and commerce) of the association Alok Choudhary.

Apart from businessmen, Tata Steel officials, social workers and residents also paid floral tributes today.

“The attack has raised serious questions about the present security scenario in the country. No one feels secure and the government needs to do a lot to regain the confidence of people,” said the managing director of Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company, Sanjeev Paul.

He also called for tough action against terrorism for preventing any future attacks.

“It seems that the country has not learnt any lesson even after so many attacks. The present attacks have caught us unawares due to which so many people, including foreigners, have lost their lives. This attack could have been easily avoided if our intelligence agencies were more careful in their work,” added Suresh Sonthali, the vice-president (public relations and welfare), Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

But unity at this time was crucial, said many. “This is not the right time for blame games. However, I am sure that our politicians would once again repeat the same mistake. We urge all politicians to come on a common platform in order to show the neighbouring country that we will not tolerate such action,” said Amit Banerjee, a resident of Sakchi.

Former chief minister Arjun Munda, BJP district president Binod Singh, Congress leaders Bharat Singh and Chabban Rizvi and JVM district president Abhay Singh lit candles at Saheed Chowk to mark the occasion.