Mumbai: Citizens groups in the city have described the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh as a "victory of citizens" after huge protests were held here in the backdrop of the terror strikes.

"Finally, our voices have been heard by politicians. This is a victory of the people who demanded his resignation after the carnage in the city," said Anandani Thakoor, Managing trustee of Khar Residents Association, a citizens association. "We don't wan't somebody who just sits on a higher post and escapes from his responsiblity when people are really in need of action, not mere words," said Thakoor who also led protests against actor Sanjay Dutt, a 1993 blasts accused, when Congress was mulling giving him nomination in Lok Sabha elections.

"It is high time now as far as security is concerned. The police were unable to fight terrorists as they were ill-equipped. They should be provided sophisticated weapons and good environment, besides better infrastructure, she said. Anger burst out against public representatives in the protest march held yesterday near the Gateway of India where people assembled in show of solidarity. All roads led to the historic structure near Taj Hotel, one of the sites of the November 26 terror strikes that left 188 dead, as people from all walks of life took part in protests and peace march.

Source : PTI