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About Mumbai terror attacks / Operation Black Tornedo
Features on Events - Mumbai terror attacks / Operation Black Tornedo
Mumbai experienced a worst terrorist attack at seven major locations in the city on the night of Wednesday November 26, 2008 when a series of synchronised terror strikes hit the finance capital of India killing 125 and injuring 327. This is the eight major bomb attack in India in 2008. A terrorist outfit Deccan Mujahideen claimed the responsibility for the activity. The blasts are the worst in Mumbai since the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that killed 257 and injured over 700 people.
The firefighting between Indian security forces and the militants went on fiercly particularly at the Oberoi Trident and the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel. As many five explositions are heard within five minutes of the Army taking charge of the site. A three layer joint operation involving the Maharashtra Police, Indian Army and the National Security Guard are involved in the operations at the hotel site. All Taj Hotel hostages are rescued earlier. The clashes between the security forces and the terrorists looked like those of the scenes in the movies Die Hard and A Wednesday. Fire flared up at the old wing of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel making the situation more worse. Few experts say the fire scene is an intentional distractor by the terrorists. The Taj Hotel is under Government control but Nariman House and the Oberai Hotel are still under hostage by terrorists. Black Cat commandos are continuing their operations to storm into the buildings.
Friday, November 28, 2008 8:30 AM
Two blasts are heard on the early hours of Friday, November 28, 2008. Later in the morning, NSG Commandos are air dropped using a helicopter as the stair care at the Nariman House is narrow preventing entry of the commandos. A helicopter moved through the area atleast three times. One commando is believed to be injured. It is unsure if he was injured during taking position or during clashes with the terrorists. Eight persons are belived to be held up in the Nariman House building. The building is popular amongst the Israeli community as the Chabad House. Jewish Centre Rabbi is still believed to be inside the building.
SEBI said that the Indian stock markets will open today but will review the situation just before opening time to take further decision. NSG DG is reviewing the operations from a chopper. A television channel reported that NSG would be completing the operation by 2 PM today. Local people say the terrorists rented house near Nariman House months before.
Friday, November 28, 2008 9:55 AM
Blasts of minor intensity are reported at the Trident hotel.
About 15 people are believed to be still trapped inside Taj Hotel. 7 militants reportedly killed in Taj operation
Friday, November 28, 2008 10:10 AM
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited Mumbai saying he can't stay away from Mumbai and has come to extend moral support. He blamed Pakistan for the attacks saying Pakistan has violated UN conventions and announced Rs. 1 crore to the kin of the slain security men. He spoke with the media outside the Oberoi hotel.
BSE, NSE resumed trading today.
Friday, November 28, 2008 11:40 AM IST
Taj new building flushed out. Smoke still seen at the Taj Hotel dome. Few hostages still believed to be inside the hotel.
30 hostages freed, many foreigners comes out safe
NSG Commandos takes position at Nariman house. Fresh gun firing at Nariman House
People flock upstairs of surrounding buildings to witness action.
Friday, November 28, 2008 2:45 PM IST
* Taj, Oberoi completely sanitizes each and every room; Under NSG control
* Taj, Oberoi operations completed
* Chinese made grenades, AK-47 recovered
* Team from FBI and British security agency on way to Mumbai
* 6 dead bodies, 2 of them believed to be of terrrorists, brought out of Taj
* Pranabh Mukherjee says primary evidence suggests Pak group involvement
* Nariman house operation still on waySatellite phone recovered from a dead terrorist
* Attack on media at Taj Hotel
* Over 50 hostages rescued at Oberoi
Friday, November 28, 2008 6:28 PM IST
Mission accomplished; NSG Commands takes control of Nariman house. Takes control of the building floor by floor. Terrorists inside believed to have been killed in the operations. Police controlling crowds outside the Nariman house. Atleast 4 terrorists shot dead inside the Nariman house. NSG Commandos still inside the building. Media people allowed near to the big. Mumbai Police Commissioner says 24 bodies recovered today and 6 yesterday from Oberoi. Narrow stair cases made the Nariman House rescue operation extremely difficult. No information of bystanders being injured in the operation.
Friday, November 28, 2008 6:52:09 PM IST
Fresh fire reported from the 1st floor of Taj Hotel. Commandos take position. Grenede lobbed from the Taj. Media people asked to step a bit backward again. Security personnel vehicles rushing inside the lane of the Nariman house. Police personnel says the operation is in 'final stages' but 'not yet over'. Three, including a journalist from AFP (an international media outlet) injured at Taj. 5 hostages killed at Nariman. NSG DG says last floor to be taken into control. 2 terrorists killed at Nariman house. 3 more exchanging fire with commandos as they get to the 4th floor.
Friday, November 28, 2008 7:21 PM IST
NSG Commandoes combing on the 3rd floor at Nariman. Lights near the Taj put down as commandoes continue their operations there. Atleast 1 terrorist is believed to be moving from Ground floor and First floor switching on-off the lights of the building.
Friday, November 28, 2008 7:38:17 PM IST
One stretcher is taken inside the Taj. A person is brought out and taken away in an ambulance. Climate in the region changes with signs of possible drizzle. Hundreds of people comes nearer to the Nariman building.
Friday, November 28, 2008 7:52:07 PM IST
Three gun shots heard at the Nariman house. Fire exchange continues at Taj. More than one terrorist likely inside the Taj. Operation seems to be not yet over.
Friday, November 28, 2008 8:39:29 PM IST
Television media channels say terrorists used sophesticated communication devices to stay in touch with their heads. The list also included usage of Blackberries. Further, atleast 3 telephones calls before and 2 after the first capture of the Taj hotel are made to Karachi which shows a link between the operatives and the Pakistan.
Friday, November 28, 2008 8:58:57 PM IST
DG of NSG confirms having clearing Nariman house. No more dead bodies recovered.
Friday, November 28, 2008 10:10:20 PM IST
Television media channels are reporting more information about militants.
Group of terrorists stayed in Karachi for 4 days
Communication made from telephones was actually to Lashkar commander
Coast Guard, on November 18, picked up hints of possible use of water route by militants
About 8 to 10 boats are used by 40 50 militants to enter into Mumbai
Friday, November 28, 2008 10:26:57 PM IST
Operation at Nariman house over. 1 NSG Officer and 1 NSG Soldier killed in the operation.
15 policemen lost lives in the operations so far.
Exchange of fire still on at Hotel Taj
Saturday, November 29, 2008 7:06:13 AM IST
Operation at Taj still under way. Huge army troops deployed in the region. Detonators placed under bodies of dead defused. Terrorist lobs granades from inside.
Saturday, November 29, 2008 8:41:19 AM IST
Two terrorists gunned down in the last battle at Taj. Taj hotel completely under control. Fire tenders on job putting down fire. Taj Hotel handed over to Mumbai police. Sanitisation process on way. 59 hours of battle comes to an end.
Saturday, November 29, 2008 8:49:20 AM IST
Official death toll at 156 and is likely to increase. Doctors and Medical professionals from across Maharashtra called up to speed up post-mortem process so that the dead bodies can be handed over to their relatives quickly. Relatives asked to visit hospital with valid proof of identity to claim a body. Policemen in large numbers approaches the Taj building to recover dead bodies from inside the Taj. Director General of NSG, JK Dutt briefed the media about the operation at the Taj Hotel this morning. Says operation not yet over. Thorough checking of the premises on way. Three terrorists gunned down in the last few hours of the battle. AK-47 was recovered from the place. A bomb was defused.
Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:55 AM IST
Bomb Detection Squad of the Indian Army at the Oberoi House conducting bomb detection and defusement operation. Santisation process still on at Taj. Management of Taj Hotel allowed access to the Hotel. To assist the security forces.
Locations where attacks took place
* Metro Cinema
* Oberoi Hotel
* Victoria Terminus
* Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel
* Leopold Café
While the terrorist activity is seen all across Southern Mumbai, the selection of major activity is done in a strategic manner. The terrorists have chosen posh luxury hotels and regions where the stay and movement of foreigners and other high profile personalities is usually high. The region is few kilometers away from the residences of ministers. All this points out that the terrorist want to make a big impact and gain quick international attention out of their acitivities.
Deaths & Injuries
An estimated 125 people are killed and 327 injured in the attacks. Taj Hotel sources say that atleast 5 of its chefs are killed. Many hotel staff, including senior hotel management are at the hotel at the time of the attacks. The wife and three children of the General Manager of the hotel were amongst those killed. Speaking with the press, Ratan Tata said that the militants are freely moving inside the hotel indicating they know the hotel plan well and that the attack was well planned and master minded.
Dead bodies scattered all over in pools of blood are located at the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminal. A body of a man was located in a small boat off the Mumbai coast and is believed to be of one of those involved in the terror strikes.
Two Australians are confirmed dead. Brett Taylor, 49, a timber marchant from Turramurra, Sydney North Shore, and Doug Markell, 71, a former deputy mayor at Woollahra Council, Sydney East. Australian media reports two more are dead. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said that up to 26 are in the two hotels where the terrorist activity occured. Television star Brooke Satchwell is among several Australians trapped in Mumbai. Satchwell managed to catch a flight to Singapore along with her boy friend David Gross. Earlier on Nov 27, Six members of the New South Wales (NSW) Department of State and Regional Development are reported to be unaccounted for in Mumbai.
Two Candana nationals are said to have been injured while six others are still trapped as hostage. One of the injured but safe is actor Michael Rudder.
47 New Zealanders are believed to be iregistered as being in the Mumbai area at the time of the incident. The New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said that attempts are made to contact them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said relatives can call 04 439 8000 for information in this regard.
As many as seven South African nationals are believed to be trapped in the Oberai Hotel.
Targeted towards foreigners?
The terrorists at the hotel are believed to have said, Put your hand up if you're British or American. The hostages were marched off to undisclosed locations within the hotel. 40 British and other foreigners are believed to be inside the hotel at the time of the incident. According to the sources, the terrorists looked for people with British or American passports. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister said they have no clear information if the attacks are targeted at foreigners.
Prime Minister visits Mumbai hospitals
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reviewed the condition of the injured at the JJ hospital. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Opposition leader Advani also visited the hospitals in Mumbai.
Deccan Mujahideen
A little known terrorist outfit Deccan Mujahideen claimed the responsibility for the blasts by sending an e-mail to news organisations. One of the gunmen has told a television channel that he belonged to an Indian Islamist group that is seeking an end to the persecution of Indian Muslims. Two terrorists, Shadullah and Imran Babar, rang up India TV twice during the siege on Thursday using cellphones of their hostages to place their points of view. Claiming to have worked as a medical representative in a multinational company, Babar said the attacks were to avenge "torture and injustice".
A senior army officer involved in the army operations at the hotel site said that the terrorist are conversing in Punjabi language and pretend to be belonging to Hyderabad.
Western intelligence experts says had all the markings of a strategy designed by the Osama-bin Laden-led al Qaeda and picked on vulnerable Western "soft targets" but not in a country where there would be maximum security such as India where they have sufficient resources to carry out an attack on this scale.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the militants are from outside India indirectly pointing fingers at Pakistan. Pakistan denied any involvement.
Entry of terrorists into Mumbai
Coast Guard officials have reportedly found a ship, M V Alpha, a Vietnamese registered ship, which is believed to have been used to ferry terrorists from Gujarat into Mumbai ahead of the blasts. The ship is being searched and two aircraft, choppers are used to scour the area near the ship. The Indian Navy is on high alert following the Mumbai terror strike. The chief of Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sunil Damle told reporters onboard INS Tir that there is a possibility that few of the terrorists may have escaped through the sea route after the attacks, and added that Indian Navy has already started investigating the issue.
Stock markets closed for Novemeber 27, 2008
Earlier in the morning of Thursday, November 27, 2008, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange, Commodities exchange, money market and many smaller stock exchanges across the country had a no trading day since the situation is panicky even before the stock markets opened for trading. Kingfisher Airways said it has reduced its morning flights from Mumbai in the wake of attacks after few ticket cancellations are reported.
Indian reactions
President Pratibha Patil
President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil condemned the series of bomb blasts and said Such acts are highly condemnable.
Vice President Ansari
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari expressed deep shock at the scale of the attacks and said Such terrorist acts are aimed at destabilizing the nation and urged all citizens to unite in this critical hour.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to the nation
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in his address to the nation (Read: Text of PM address to the nation) said that terror strikes are done as an act to destabilise nation and assured the countrymen that no guilty person behind the terror attacks would escape punishment. He emphasised the need to set up a Federal Investigation Agency immediately to handle terrorism in the country. He saluted the courage and patriotism of the police officers, including the Chief of the Anti-Terror Squad, Shri Hemant Karkare and men who have laid down their lives in fighting these terrorists.
LK Advani
Leader of Opposition Lal Krishan Advani said, "Terrorism is a global menace. Mumbai being the economic center of the country is chosen by terrorists". Dr. Manmohan Singh and LK Advani will be together visiting Mumbai after the former called upon Advani and asked him to reschedule his visit and join him. He appealed to the people of the country to stay united, calm and maintain communal harmony at a difficult time, especially when the nation has been stuck by a terror attack.
Meanwhile, Senior BJP Leader Arun Shourie blamed the government for not coming out with a strong anti-terror law in the country.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh's updates
Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh earlier in the morning of Thursday, November 27, 2008 told the media that the terrorists came in boats and struck at 10 places but their number is not known immediately. The terror attacks began between 9 pm and 9.15 pm (of November 26) with indiscriminate firing and bomb blasts. At least two sten guns have been recovered from the terrorists, the Chief Minister said. To a question, he said it was not immediately known as to who was involved in the attacks as the entire police force is concentrating on saving lives. He said around 200 National Security Guard (NSG) commandos had been dispatched from Delhi for the operation to flush out terrorists.
Sonia Gandhi
Congress President Sonia Gandhi in her message said We shall not allow such incidents to deter our firm resolve to combat terror in all its manifestations....India's one billion people have the strength and courage to defend themselves against the assault on its unity and secular fabric.
Rahul Gandhi
Congress party general secretary Rahul Gandhi addressing a party rally said: This is the time to remain united to face the challenge of terrorism
Other reactions
Rata N Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and chairman of Indian Hotels Co, which owns the Taj hotel in Mumbai, called for unity to fight terror and said: We cannot replace the lives that have been lost and we will never forget the terrifying events of last night, but we must stand together, shoulder to shoulder as citizens of India, and rebuild what has been destroyed.
All India Minorities Front National President S M. Asif termed the Mumbai terror attacks as a cowardice act of anti-Islamic persons because there is no room for terrorism in Islam.
International reaction
* United States of America: US President-elect Barack Obama condemned the attacks and said, United States must work to strengthen ties with India and other nations to 'root out and destroy terrorist networks'. Obama is keeping himself updated on the hostage situation and is receiving regular intelligence briefings and speaking to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The U.S. State Department statement said, We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Mumbai. Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai.
* United Kingdom: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown described the attacks in Mumbai as 'outrageous' and warned that such attacks will be met with a 'vigorous response'. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband condemned the attacks and said, Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists.
* Australia: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described the attackers absolute cowards and murderers. He said, This latest attack on Indian peace, stability and democracy reminds us again of the need to remain forever vigilant. The Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had reissued travel advice for India, warning that Australians should avoid travelling to Mumbai at this time.
* Canada: Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon in a statement said, Canada strongly condemns the savage terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have left hundreds of innocent civilians injured or killed. These cowardly attacks are truly appalling. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned the 'despicable and cowardly attacks' and offered support.
* Pakistan: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in his message said, We condemn these attacks. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan offers support to India in probing the attacks. Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain termed the act as naked terrorism and said that the people of Pakistan and every peace loving person severely condemns these attacks.
* Iran termed the incident an 'evil acts'.
* Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma termed the attacks 'despicable and barbaric'.
* European Union initiated crisis coordination measures and gets prepared to send humanitarian aid to Mumbai.
Post-blast investigations
The Kolkata Police has issued a notification directing the house owners to maintain a complete database of tenants. The Police has requested the West Bengal Government to comeup with a special anti-insurgenct commando force.
A Pakistani young man believed to have links with the terrorists has been detained at Lucknow.
Mumbai terror attacks in recent news
Important Note: News stories below are not in a specific order
Pak militants under focus following Mumbai terror strike
Pakistani militants have become the focus of the investigation following the terror strikes in Mumbai, according to the Washington Post. ANI
US envoy offers help to terror-hit Mumbai
U.S.Ambassador to India, David C Mulford, on Saturday condemned the terror strikes in Mumbai, and said that he had been directed by President George W Bush to offer cooperation to the Indian authorities. ANI
`Pakistan has raised the tiger which they are unable to ride now, says Farooq
Giving a clean chit to Pakistan as far the Mumbai terror attack was concerned, National Conference Patron and its Chief Ministerial candidate Dr Abdullah said that Islamabad could not be behind the attack as Pakistans Foreign Minister was in India. ANI
Security beefed up in Agra in wake of Mumbai terror attacks
In the wake of Mumbai terror attacks, security has been beefed up in Agra. ANI
Pak-India-UK Forum condemns Mumbai terror strike
The Pakistan, India and UK Friendship Forum has strongly condemned the terrorist strikes in Mumbai that claimed over 150 lives and injured over 290. ANI
Oz actress says shes Bloody lucky to be back home
Australian television actress Brooke Satchwell today said that she was really bloody lucky, to be back home after experiencing the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Arrested terrorist confirms that plans included reducing Taj Hotel to rubble
Arrested Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab has confessed that the terror group that spread mayhem across Mumbai, had received instructions to reduce the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel to rubble, if the need arose. ANI
Britain, US urge India and Pakistan to keep talking
The governments of the United States and Britain are urging India and Pakistan to act with restraint and do nothing that could set back their relations in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks. ANI
US expert on South Asia dubs Mumbai attacks as Indias domestic issue
A noted American political scientist and South Asia expert, Christine Fair has reportedly said that the Mumbai terror strikes were a domestic issue of India, and that no conclusions should be drawn in haste. ANI
New York rabbi, wife killed in Mumbai attacks
New York Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife, Rivkah Holtzberg, the directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, have been confirmed killed by terrorists in Mumbai. ANI
India postpones talks with Pak on Sir Creek issue due to logistical reasons
Apparently due to the Mumbai terror strikes, the Indo-Pak talks on the Sir Creek issue have been postponed once again. India has reportedly ascribed logistical reasons for the same. ANI
Pietersen says teammates ran out of phone batteries attending to calls after terror strikes
England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen has said that he had left it up to his teammates to decide whether they wished to go back to India, because all of them were in a state of shock after seeing blood-soaked bodies in Mumbai hotels. ANI
`We will defeat terrorism and overcome poverty, says Rahul Gandhi
Asserting that the nation will defeat terrorism and at the same time will try to overcome the poverty, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that the terror attacks in Mumbai were aimed at dividing and scaring people. ANI
Ex-England cricket greats say team should go back to play Tests in India
Former England players and cricket captains, including Bob Willis and David Gower, have reportedly said that the England team should return to India to play their scheduled Test matches. ANI
Brit actor with Asian appearance recalls Mumbai terror carnage
A British actor with an Asian appearance said that he literally curled himself up like a small ball as terrorists struck the restaurant in which he was dining. ANI
UK looking into Indias claims that four Mumbai terrorists had links with Britain
UK security agencies are reportedly looking into information sent by Indian authorities to establish whether any British Muslims were involved in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Arrested terrorist says gang hoped to get away
The lone terrorist nabbed alive by National Security Guard (NSG) commandos has reportedly told his Mumbai Police interrogators that he and his 39 colleagues were given the impression that they would come back alive after carrying out their mission of mayhem in Indias commercial capital. ANI
Three terrorists killed, one more nabbed as NSG operation on Taj enters final stretch
Three more terrorists have been killed and a second terrorist has been nabbed alive from the beseiged Taj Mahal Hotel, National Security Guard Director General J K Dutt said on Saturday, even as commandos sought to smoke out the surviving terrorists in the final stretch of their mopping up operation. ANI
NSG launches final and biggest counter-terror offensive on Taj Mahal Hotel
National Security Guard commandos have begun a what they say is their final and probably biggest counter-terror offensives on Mumbais five star Taj Mahal Hotel to flush out the two or three remaining terrorists holed up inside. ANI
Oz cricket bosses, players in financial stand-off following postponement of Champions League
An ugly confrontation is looming between national and state cricket administrators on one side and players who feel they have missed out on rich pickings from the postponed Champions League Twenty20 tournament, reports The Daily Telegraph. ANI
Mumbai terror strikes may lead to Pak destabilization, says Stratfor
Stratfor, the US-based private research agency has reportedly said that Pakistan may face massive destabilisation under pressure from India and the US as fallout of the serial terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
UK says its too early to say anything about Mumbai terror strikes
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reportedly said that it was too early to say anything about the background of the terrorists involved in Mumbai terror strikes. ANI
Pakistan does an about turn, not to send ISI chief to India
The Pakistan Government has done an about turn on its earlier promise to send Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director-General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shujaa Pasha to India in connection with the probe into the terrorist strikes in Mumbai. ANI
Other updates - November 28, 2008
Mumbai attackers have received training from outside India: Experts
Counter-terrorism officials and experts said the scale, sophistication and targets involved in the Mumbai attacks were markedly different from previous terrorist plots in India and suggested the gunmen had received training from outside the country. ANI
Expert says radical terrorists are changing tactics to nurture home grown jihadists
An Iranian-born journalist and author based in Europe has claimed that radical Islamists may be changing their tactics to inspire home-grown jihadists ANI
Laxity in coastal security: Maharashtra Deputy CM
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil on Friday admitted laxity in coastal security in the state. ANI
Nariman House commando operation continues despite early hurrah
There was a last minute drama at 7 o clock here after National Security Guard officials denied that the operation to flush out terrorists at Nariman House was over. ANI
Pakistan connection in Mumbai attacks: Pranab Mukherjee
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that preliminary and prima facie evidence indicates Pakistani connection in Mumbai attacks. ANI
AJC Expresses Grief and Outrage Over Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
PR Newswire
ISI chief will visit India: Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan today agreed to Indias demand to send the chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to New Delhi to share information on ways to tackle the menace of terrorism. ANI
Mumbai terror strike is a message aimed at Obama
The terror strikes in Mumbai this week, which have resulted in the death of over 100 people and injuries to another 327, not only is a devastating assault on Indian democracy, its way of life and its brilliant economy, but also should be seen as a message from terrorists to US President-elect Barack Obama. ANI
Mumbai terror strike might affect US reconciliation moves in S. Asia: NYT
The strategy of the United States in South Asia is likely to come unstuck because of the lack of trust that exists between India and Pakistan, experts feel. ANI
The world cant ignore Indias Islamist terrorists any longer
Islamist terrorists in India have finally made the outside world sit up and take notice by targeting one of the countrys most iconic hotels, The Taj Mahal Palace on Mumbais waterfront and holding hundreds of its wealthy foreign guests hostage. ANI
Indias rescue efforts premature and badly planned, says Israel
Israel defence officials have criticised the way Indian security forces have handled the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Prayers held in New York for well being of fellow Indians in terror-struck Mumbai
More than 100 people, mostly Indians, gathered at the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing, New York, to pray for peace after militant Muslims killed more than 100 people in a bloody rampage. ANI
PM Rudd says 36 Australians still missing in Mumbai
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said tonight that he was deeply concerned about the well-being of 36 missing Australians in Mumbai. ANI
Ex-Australian judge relives Taj Hotel terror drama
A former Australian judge and three-time Olympic rower has said that it was a bloody nightmare to be cornered at gunpoint inside the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. ANI
24 more dead bodies retrieved from Trident-Oberoi hotel, one terrorist arrested
Twenty four dead bodies have been recovered from the terror struck Trident-Oberoi hotel. ANI
Manmohan Singh requests Gilani to send ISI chief to India
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Friday requested his Pakistan counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to send Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha to India to share information about the Mumbai terror attacks. ANI
Indian Americans horrified and humbled by Mumbai terror strike
Indian Americans have reacted with horror to the multiple terror strikes in Mumbai that have left over 120 dead and more than 300 injured. ANI
West Bengal CM condemns Mumbai terror strikes
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today condemned the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Did terrorists launch a fresh shoot out in South Mumbai ?
About three to four terrorists fired at three places in South Mumbai, causing panic all around,as per a television report. ANI
Oberoi-Trident seige over, says NSG
The Oberoi-Trident hotel building has been completely taken over by the security forces after a prolonged battle with terrorists. ANI
Canada condoles death of a Canadian in Mumbai attacks
Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon has confirmed the death of one Canadian citizen in the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Indian shooters satisfied with security measures in Pak
Indian shooters who are in Islamabad to participate in the 4th South Asian Shooting Championship, have reportedly expressed satisfaction at the security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government during their stay throughout the tournament. ANI
Delhi election on Saturday
National capital Delhi is all geared up for elections on Saturday, under a tight security blanket, in the backdrop of the Mumbai terror attacks. ANI
Unshaken Warne says he was very very lucky to have escaped death in Mumbai
Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne returned home this afternoon, after escaping death in Mumbais Taj hotel where he would have stayed from yesterday onwards. He would have been here to participate in the now postponed Twenty20 Championship League. ANI
Western agencies say they had no warning about Mumbai terror strikes
Western intelligence agencies have said that they were surprised that terrorists had singled out Asia and not the United States as a viable place to attack, even as there was talk of the al-Qaida plotting to disrupt the US presidential campaign. ANI
US advises citizens not to visit Mumbai for 2-3 days
The United States is learnt to have issued an advisory to its citizens not to travel to Mumbai, in the aftermath of terror strikes which have so far claimed at least 150 lives. ANI
Indian Navy commandos rescue 200 foreigners including Tajs Managing Director
Two hundred foreigners along with the Managing Director of the Taj Hotel have been rescued in a Indian Navy-led operation at the new Taj building and at least four Chinese made hand grenades, seven A.K.47 magazines, have been recovered from the Taj. ANI
93 hostages rescued from terror-struck Trident-Oberoi hotel
At least 93 hostages have been evacuated from the terror struck Trident-Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai, many of them being foreign nationals. ANI
ECB chief confident of team returning to play two Tests a
Even as uncertainty prevails over the Englands India tour as the visiting England cricket team is scheduled to return home by this evening in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror strikes killing around 150 people, managing director of England Cricket Hugh Morris has exhibited confidence in his teams players, saying they would return (to India) to play the two-Test series. ANI
Experts say planning for Mumbai terror strike in Pakistan, execution by Indian affiliate
Though intelligence and security officials are cautious about arriving at early conclusions on the Mumbai terror strikes, they have admitted that planning for it could have taken place in Pakistan, and its execution was carried out with the help of an Indian affiliate. ANI
Qantas sends Airbus A330-300 to Mumbai
Australian national carrier Qantas has this afternoon dispatched a bigger aircraft to Mumbai, with the capability of airlifting about 297 Australians. ANI
Global spy agencies clueless about Deccan Mujahideen, rule out Qaeda link
Most spy agencies around the world are reportedly clueless about the antecedents of the Deccan Mujahideen, which has claimed responsibility for the planned and synchronized terror strikes in Mumbai. ANI
Indian spy agencies failed due to their overwhelming focus on Pak terror groups
Indian intelligence agencies completely failed in preventing the Mumbai terror strikes because of their overwhelming focus on Pakistan-based militant groups all these years. And, the focus has been so sharp that the Indian spy agencies have forgotten to control the spread of homegrown terrorism, said an article in Pakistan daily The News. ANI
Botham calls England canceling tour a crying shame due to Mumbai terror
Former England cricket captain Ian Botham has said that it was a crying shame to see his countrys side canceling the two last ODIs in the wake of the Mumbai terror strikes. ANI
Injured Aussie looking for his Mumbai heroes
A young Australian is on the lookout for a couple of anonymous heroes in terror-hit Mumbai. ANI
Terrorists will be flushed out in matter of hours, says Army officer
A senior Indian Army officer said on Friday that the operation to flush out all terrorists from two hotels and Nariman House would be completed in a matter of hours. ANI
Canadian actor shot thrice by terrorists in Mumbai
Michael Rudder, a Canadian actor, was shot thrice by terrorists here on Wednesday, and is presently recovering in a hospital. ANI
Brit business honcho escapes certain death in Mumbai
British businessman Paul Bean managed to escape from the bullet- riddled Taj Mahal hotel here, coming within a whisker of death. ANI
Brit yachting tycoon called BBC before being killed
British Greek yachting tycoon Andreas Liveras is said to have given a harrowing account of the situation inside the terrorist-held Taj Hotel in Mumbai, moments before he was shot dead. ANI
Mumbai terror strikes will leave 9/11-like effects in India
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland has reportedly said that while it was too early to comment on what affect the Mumbai terror strikes would lay behind on cricket. ANI
Actress Brooke Satchwell angry at Oz Governments response to Mumbai attacks
The Australian Government has come in for a tongue lashing from actress Brooke Satchwell and her boyfriend in the wake of the multiple terror attacks on civilians in Mumbai. ANI
Four Australians killed in Mumbai terror attacks
Indian authorities here have claimed that terrorists have killed four Australians. ANI
Virginia Father, daughter missing after Mumbai terror attacks
A Virginian father and his daughter who were visiting India are reportedly missing after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Wives, kids had put pressure on Oz cricketers against traveling to terror-struck India
Before the inaugural edition of the next weeks Twenty20 Champions League was postponed in the wake of Mumbai terror strikes on Wednesday night, some of senior Australian cricketers had come under heavy pressure from their wives and families to ignore the huge money on offer and refuse to tour, even though a few others were keen to go for the tournament. ANI
Terror-struck Indias sneezing, world cricket catching pneumonia
Mumbai terror strikes, being described as the biggest terror attacks in Indias history, appear to have devastated the world of cricket, as India is the biggest cricket playing nation generating almost three-fourths of worlds total income from cricket. ANI
Advani blames Maharashtra Government for Mumbai terror strikes
Leader of Opposition and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani has charged the Maharashtra Government with failing to gather intelligence to foil the planned and synchronised terrorist strikes in Mumbai that have so far claimed 127 lives and left a further 327 injured. ANI
Grieving relatives throng Mumbai hospitals for information on victims
Grieving relatives thronged Mumbais St. George Hospital on Thursday for information on the victims of the terror strikes that have so far claimed 127 lives and injured 327. ANI
Foreigners head back to their countries following militant attacks in Mumbai
Following the coordinated attacks by heavily armed militants in luxury hotels and several other places across Mumbai, foreign visitors are hurrying back to their countries. ANI
Free Tibet tag on woolen clothes for sale in Lucknow
Tibetan exiles living in Lucknow city sell woolen clothes with a Free Tibet tag as part of non-violent struggle for freedom of their homeland. ANI
Maharashtra Deputy CM says one militant caught alive
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil has confirmed that NSG commandos have caught one militant alive. ANI
NSG opens fire from chopper on Nariman House, firefight with terrorists continues at Trident
Latest reports from the area around Nariman House and the Trident-Oberoi Hotel say that the firefight between the holed up terrorists and National Security Guard (NSG) commandos is still raging on. ANI
Mumbai terror: PM reviews situation
A high-level meeting has taken place in Mumbai to review the situation in the city in the wake of the planned and synchronized terrorist strikes attacks.The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, presided over the meeting. National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, top state government and police officials of Maharashtra, senior army, paramilitary and intelligence officials were also present at the meeting. ANI
NSG opens fire from chopper on Nariman House, firefight with terrorists continues at Trident
Latest reports from the area around Nariman House and the Trident-Oberoi Hotel say that the firefight between the holed up terrorists and National Security Guard (NSG) commandos is still raging on. ANI
Other updates - November 27, 2008
Cabinet meets to discuss post Mumbai blast measures
In the wake of the terror strikes in Indias financial hub Mumbai, Central cabinet held an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi to discuss security measures and the post blast actions on Thursday. ANI
Terror strike toll rises to over 100, injured toll 110; encounters still on
Over a hundred people have been killed in a series of well-coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai late on Wednesday night. ANI
Manmohan Singh likely to address nation in wake of Mumbai blasts
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is expected to address the nation in a couple of hours from now in the wake of Wednesdays nights planned and synchronised terror strikes in Mumbai, which left at least 100 people dead and over 200 injured. ANI
Manhunt, firefight launched against terrorists after they kill 78 in Mumbai serial blasts
Maharashtra Police and Indian Army personnel launched a massive manhunt and a firefight early on Thursday morning against terrorists responsible for planned and synchronized serial bomb blasts across Mumbai late on Wednesday night that left at least 78 people killed, including a foreign tourist and a top counter-terror officer. ANI
Shivraj Patil holds emergency meeting in Mumbai
Home Minister Shivraj Patil held an emergency meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to asses the situation after the multiple terror attack in the nations commercial capital,Mumbai. ANI
International leaders condemn Mumbai terror strikes - Update
There has been widespread international condemnation of the series of shootings across Mumbai in which at least 80 people have been killed and many more injured. Following are some of the statements issued by heads of state, government and leaders, as reported by the BBC. ANI
Kazakh President condemns Mumbai terror attacks, sends condolences to Manmohan Singh
The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, on Thursday expressed his grief over the serial terror strikes in Indias financial capital Mumbai, and offered his condolences to the families of the dead victims and survivors through a message to Indian Prime Minister Dr.Mnamohan Singh. ANI
England denies canceling India tour, to take decision in next 24 hours
Disputing news reports that England had decided to call off rest of the cricket series against India (two ODIs and two Tests) following the Mumbai terror strikes, sources close to the visiting team have said that they have not taken any such decision so far, and that they were in constant touch with the BCCI discussing security issues. ANI
England team cancels remaining tour, T20 League also cancelled after Mumbai terror
The visiting England cricket squad has suspended rest of its tour following last nights multiple terror strikes in Mumbai in which more than 100 people are feared so far. ANI
Lashkar-Qaeda combo most probably responsible for Mumbai terror strikes
A terror expert who contributes analytical pieces to Fox News believes that Wednesdays planned and synchronized terror strikes in Indias financial capital Mumbai, had the hallmarks of banned militant groups like the Lashkar e Toiba or the SIMI. ANI
Oz cricket body suspends Victorian, West Australian sides tour to India
Following Mumbais terror strikes killing more than 100 people, Cricket Australia has reportedly suspended plans for the Victorian and West Australian sides, besides other Test stars, to fly out to India for the Champions League Twenty20 competition beginning December 3. ANI
Shane Warne was to stay at terror-struck Mumbais Taj hotel
Former Australian spinner Shane Warne perhaps narrowly escaped death, as he was to arrive in Mumbai today and stay at the same Hotel Taj which was one of the prime targets of terrorists belonging to Deccan Mujahidden. At least 80 people have been feared dead so far. ANI
Mumbai terror strikes cast doubts over England tour
Last nights terror strikes in Mumbai, in which nearly 80 people are feared dead so far, has cast doubts on the ongoing tour of England cricket team, especially after news reports emerged that the terrorists particularly shot dead foreign citizens, particularly those from US or UK. ANI
Ponting backs ban on travel to India after Mumbai terror strikes
Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting has reportedly backed Cricket Australias decision to ban players from traveling to India for a Twenty20 series following the Mumbai terror attacks, in which more than 100 people are feared dead so far. ANI
New Yorks `Little India shocked by Mumbai terror strikes
Residents of New Yorks Little India have expressed horror at the ongoing carnage in Mumbai that has already claimed over 100 lives and left over 280 injured. ANI
Mumbai experienced a worst terrorist attack at seven major locations in the city on the night of Wednesday November 26, 2008 when a series of synchronised terror strikes hit the finance capital of India killing 125 and injuring 327. This is the eight major bomb attack in India in 2008. A terrorist outfit Deccan Mujahideen claimed the responsibility for the activity. The blasts are the worst in Mumbai since the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that killed 257 and injured over 700 people.
The firefighting between Indian security forces and the militants went on fiercly particularly at the Oberoi Trident and the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel. As many five explositions are heard within five minutes of the Army taking charge of the site. A three layer joint operation involving the Maharashtra Police, Indian Army and the National Security Guard are involved in the operations at the hotel site. All Taj Hotel hostages are rescued earlier. The clashes between the security forces and the terrorists looked like those of the scenes in the movies Die Hard and A Wednesday. Fire flared up at the old wing of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel making the situation more worse. Few experts say the fire scene is an intentional distractor by the terrorists. The Taj Hotel is under Government control but Nariman House and the Oberai Hotel are still under hostage by terrorists. Black Cat commandos are continuing their operations to storm into the buildings.
Friday, November 28, 2008 8:30 AM
Two blasts are heard on the early hours of Friday, November 28, 2008. Later in the morning, NSG Commandos are air dropped using a helicopter as the stair care at the Nariman House is narrow preventing entry of the commandos. A helicopter moved through the area atleast three times. One commando is believed to be injured. It is unsure if he was injured during taking position or during clashes with the terrorists. Eight persons are belived to be held up in the Nariman House building. The building is popular amongst the Israeli community as the Chabad House. Jewish Centre Rabbi is still believed to be inside the building.
SEBI said that the Indian stock markets will open today but will review the situation just before opening time to take further decision. NSG DG is reviewing the operations from a chopper. A television channel reported that NSG would be completing the operation by 2 PM today. Local people say the terrorists rented house near Nariman House months before.
Friday, November 28, 2008 9:55 AM
Blasts of minor intensity are reported at the Trident hotel.
About 15 people are believed to be still trapped inside Taj Hotel. 7 militants reportedly killed in Taj operation
Friday, November 28, 2008 10:10 AM
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited Mumbai saying he can't stay away from Mumbai and has come to extend moral support. He blamed Pakistan for the attacks saying Pakistan has violated UN conventions and announced Rs. 1 crore to the kin of the slain security men. He spoke with the media outside the Oberoi hotel.
BSE, NSE resumed trading today.
Friday, November 28, 2008 11:40 AM IST
Taj new building flushed out. Smoke still seen at the Taj Hotel dome. Few hostages still believed to be inside the hotel.
30 hostages freed, many foreigners comes out safe
NSG Commandos takes position at Nariman house. Fresh gun firing at Nariman House
People flock upstairs of surrounding buildings to witness action.
Friday, November 28, 2008 2:45 PM IST
* Taj, Oberoi completely sanitizes each and every room; Under NSG control
* Taj, Oberoi operations completed
* Chinese made grenades, AK-47 recovered
* Team from FBI and British security agency on way to Mumbai
* 6 dead bodies, 2 of them believed to be of terrrorists, brought out of Taj
* Pranabh Mukherjee says primary evidence suggests Pak group involvement
* Nariman house operation still on waySatellite phone recovered from a dead terrorist
* Attack on media at Taj Hotel
* Over 50 hostages rescued at Oberoi
Friday, November 28, 2008 6:28 PM IST
Mission accomplished; NSG Commands takes control of Nariman house. Takes control of the building floor by floor. Terrorists inside believed to have been killed in the operations. Police controlling crowds outside the Nariman house. Atleast 4 terrorists shot dead inside the Nariman house. NSG Commandos still inside the building. Media people allowed near to the big. Mumbai Police Commissioner says 24 bodies recovered today and 6 yesterday from Oberoi. Narrow stair cases made the Nariman House rescue operation extremely difficult. No information of bystanders being injured in the operation.
Friday, November 28, 2008 6:52:09 PM IST
Fresh fire reported from the 1st floor of Taj Hotel. Commandos take position. Grenede lobbed from the Taj. Media people asked to step a bit backward again. Security personnel vehicles rushing inside the lane of the Nariman house. Police personnel says the operation is in 'final stages' but 'not yet over'. Three, including a journalist from AFP (an international media outlet) injured at Taj. 5 hostages killed at Nariman. NSG DG says last floor to be taken into control. 2 terrorists killed at Nariman house. 3 more exchanging fire with commandos as they get to the 4th floor.
Friday, November 28, 2008 7:21 PM IST
NSG Commandoes combing on the 3rd floor at Nariman. Lights near the Taj put down as commandoes continue their operations there. Atleast 1 terrorist is believed to be moving from Ground floor and First floor switching on-off the lights of the building.
Friday, November 28, 2008 7:38:17 PM IST
One stretcher is taken inside the Taj. A person is brought out and taken away in an ambulance. Climate in the region changes with signs of possible drizzle. Hundreds of people comes nearer to the Nariman building.
Friday, November 28, 2008 7:52:07 PM IST
Three gun shots heard at the Nariman house. Fire exchange continues at Taj. More than one terrorist likely inside the Taj. Operation seems to be not yet over.
Friday, November 28, 2008 8:39:29 PM IST
Television media channels say terrorists used sophesticated communication devices to stay in touch with their heads. The list also included usage of Blackberries. Further, atleast 3 telephones calls before and 2 after the first capture of the Taj hotel are made to Karachi which shows a link between the operatives and the Pakistan.
Friday, November 28, 2008 8:58:57 PM IST
DG of NSG confirms having clearing Nariman house. No more dead bodies recovered.
Friday, November 28, 2008 10:10:20 PM IST
Television media channels are reporting more information about militants.
Group of terrorists stayed in Karachi for 4 days
Communication made from telephones was actually to Lashkar commander
Coast Guard, on November 18, picked up hints of possible use of water route by militants
About 8 to 10 boats are used by 40 50 militants to enter into Mumbai
Friday, November 28, 2008 10:26:57 PM IST
Operation at Nariman house over. 1 NSG Officer and 1 NSG Soldier killed in the operation.
15 policemen lost lives in the operations so far.
Exchange of fire still on at Hotel Taj
Saturday, November 29, 2008 7:06:13 AM IST
Operation at Taj still under way. Huge army troops deployed in the region. Detonators placed under bodies of dead defused. Terrorist lobs granades from inside.
Saturday, November 29, 2008 8:41:19 AM IST
Two terrorists gunned down in the last battle at Taj. Taj hotel completely under control. Fire tenders on job putting down fire. Taj Hotel handed over to Mumbai police. Sanitisation process on way. 59 hours of battle comes to an end.
Saturday, November 29, 2008 8:49:20 AM IST
Official death toll at 156 and is likely to increase. Doctors and Medical professionals from across Maharashtra called up to speed up post-mortem process so that the dead bodies can be handed over to their relatives quickly. Relatives asked to visit hospital with valid proof of identity to claim a body. Policemen in large numbers approaches the Taj building to recover dead bodies from inside the Taj. Director General of NSG, JK Dutt briefed the media about the operation at the Taj Hotel this morning. Says operation not yet over. Thorough checking of the premises on way. Three terrorists gunned down in the last few hours of the battle. AK-47 was recovered from the place. A bomb was defused.
Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:55 AM IST
Bomb Detection Squad of the Indian Army at the Oberoi House conducting bomb detection and defusement operation. Santisation process still on at Taj. Management of Taj Hotel allowed access to the Hotel. To assist the security forces.
Locations where attacks took place
* Metro Cinema
* Oberoi Hotel
* Victoria Terminus
* Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel
* Leopold Café
While the terrorist activity is seen all across Southern Mumbai, the selection of major activity is done in a strategic manner. The terrorists have chosen posh luxury hotels and regions where the stay and movement of foreigners and other high profile personalities is usually high. The region is few kilometers away from the residences of ministers. All this points out that the terrorist want to make a big impact and gain quick international attention out of their acitivities.
Deaths & Injuries
An estimated 125 people are killed and 327 injured in the attacks. Taj Hotel sources say that atleast 5 of its chefs are killed. Many hotel staff, including senior hotel management are at the hotel at the time of the attacks. The wife and three children of the General Manager of the hotel were amongst those killed. Speaking with the press, Ratan Tata said that the militants are freely moving inside the hotel indicating they know the hotel plan well and that the attack was well planned and master minded.
Dead bodies scattered all over in pools of blood are located at the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminal. A body of a man was located in a small boat off the Mumbai coast and is believed to be of one of those involved in the terror strikes.
Two Australians are confirmed dead. Brett Taylor, 49, a timber marchant from Turramurra, Sydney North Shore, and Doug Markell, 71, a former deputy mayor at Woollahra Council, Sydney East. Australian media reports two more are dead. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said that up to 26 are in the two hotels where the terrorist activity occured. Television star Brooke Satchwell is among several Australians trapped in Mumbai. Satchwell managed to catch a flight to Singapore along with her boy friend David Gross. Earlier on Nov 27, Six members of the New South Wales (NSW) Department of State and Regional Development are reported to be unaccounted for in Mumbai.
Two Candana nationals are said to have been injured while six others are still trapped as hostage. One of the injured but safe is actor Michael Rudder.
47 New Zealanders are believed to be iregistered as being in the Mumbai area at the time of the incident. The New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said that attempts are made to contact them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said relatives can call 04 439 8000 for information in this regard.
As many as seven South African nationals are believed to be trapped in the Oberai Hotel.
Targeted towards foreigners?
The terrorists at the hotel are believed to have said, Put your hand up if you're British or American. The hostages were marched off to undisclosed locations within the hotel. 40 British and other foreigners are believed to be inside the hotel at the time of the incident. According to the sources, the terrorists looked for people with British or American passports. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister said they have no clear information if the attacks are targeted at foreigners.
Prime Minister visits Mumbai hospitals
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reviewed the condition of the injured at the JJ hospital. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Opposition leader Advani also visited the hospitals in Mumbai.
Deccan Mujahideen
A little known terrorist outfit Deccan Mujahideen claimed the responsibility for the blasts by sending an e-mail to news organisations. One of the gunmen has told a television channel that he belonged to an Indian Islamist group that is seeking an end to the persecution of Indian Muslims. Two terrorists, Shadullah and Imran Babar, rang up India TV twice during the siege on Thursday using cellphones of their hostages to place their points of view. Claiming to have worked as a medical representative in a multinational company, Babar said the attacks were to avenge "torture and injustice".
A senior army officer involved in the army operations at the hotel site said that the terrorist are conversing in Punjabi language and pretend to be belonging to Hyderabad.
Western intelligence experts says had all the markings of a strategy designed by the Osama-bin Laden-led al Qaeda and picked on vulnerable Western "soft targets" but not in a country where there would be maximum security such as India where they have sufficient resources to carry out an attack on this scale.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the militants are from outside India indirectly pointing fingers at Pakistan. Pakistan denied any involvement.
Entry of terrorists into Mumbai
Coast Guard officials have reportedly found a ship, M V Alpha, a Vietnamese registered ship, which is believed to have been used to ferry terrorists from Gujarat into Mumbai ahead of the blasts. The ship is being searched and two aircraft, choppers are used to scour the area near the ship. The Indian Navy is on high alert following the Mumbai terror strike. The chief of Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sunil Damle told reporters onboard INS Tir that there is a possibility that few of the terrorists may have escaped through the sea route after the attacks, and added that Indian Navy has already started investigating the issue.
Stock markets closed for Novemeber 27, 2008
Earlier in the morning of Thursday, November 27, 2008, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange, Commodities exchange, money market and many smaller stock exchanges across the country had a no trading day since the situation is panicky even before the stock markets opened for trading. Kingfisher Airways said it has reduced its morning flights from Mumbai in the wake of attacks after few ticket cancellations are reported.
Indian reactions
President Pratibha Patil
President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil condemned the series of bomb blasts and said Such acts are highly condemnable.
Vice President Ansari
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari expressed deep shock at the scale of the attacks and said Such terrorist acts are aimed at destabilizing the nation and urged all citizens to unite in this critical hour.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to the nation
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in his address to the nation (Read: Text of PM address to the nation) said that terror strikes are done as an act to destabilise nation and assured the countrymen that no guilty person behind the terror attacks would escape punishment. He emphasised the need to set up a Federal Investigation Agency immediately to handle terrorism in the country. He saluted the courage and patriotism of the police officers, including the Chief of the Anti-Terror Squad, Shri Hemant Karkare and men who have laid down their lives in fighting these terrorists.
LK Advani
Leader of Opposition Lal Krishan Advani said, "Terrorism is a global menace. Mumbai being the economic center of the country is chosen by terrorists". Dr. Manmohan Singh and LK Advani will be together visiting Mumbai after the former called upon Advani and asked him to reschedule his visit and join him. He appealed to the people of the country to stay united, calm and maintain communal harmony at a difficult time, especially when the nation has been stuck by a terror attack.
Meanwhile, Senior BJP Leader Arun Shourie blamed the government for not coming out with a strong anti-terror law in the country.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh's updates
Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh earlier in the morning of Thursday, November 27, 2008 told the media that the terrorists came in boats and struck at 10 places but their number is not known immediately. The terror attacks began between 9 pm and 9.15 pm (of November 26) with indiscriminate firing and bomb blasts. At least two sten guns have been recovered from the terrorists, the Chief Minister said. To a question, he said it was not immediately known as to who was involved in the attacks as the entire police force is concentrating on saving lives. He said around 200 National Security Guard (NSG) commandos had been dispatched from Delhi for the operation to flush out terrorists.
Sonia Gandhi
Congress President Sonia Gandhi in her message said We shall not allow such incidents to deter our firm resolve to combat terror in all its manifestations....India's one billion people have the strength and courage to defend themselves against the assault on its unity and secular fabric.
Rahul Gandhi
Congress party general secretary Rahul Gandhi addressing a party rally said: This is the time to remain united to face the challenge of terrorism
Other reactions
Rata N Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and chairman of Indian Hotels Co, which owns the Taj hotel in Mumbai, called for unity to fight terror and said: We cannot replace the lives that have been lost and we will never forget the terrifying events of last night, but we must stand together, shoulder to shoulder as citizens of India, and rebuild what has been destroyed.
All India Minorities Front National President S M. Asif termed the Mumbai terror attacks as a cowardice act of anti-Islamic persons because there is no room for terrorism in Islam.
International reaction
* United States of America: US President-elect Barack Obama condemned the attacks and said, United States must work to strengthen ties with India and other nations to 'root out and destroy terrorist networks'. Obama is keeping himself updated on the hostage situation and is receiving regular intelligence briefings and speaking to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The U.S. State Department statement said, We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Mumbai. Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai.
* United Kingdom: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown described the attacks in Mumbai as 'outrageous' and warned that such attacks will be met with a 'vigorous response'. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband condemned the attacks and said, Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists.
* Australia: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described the attackers absolute cowards and murderers. He said, This latest attack on Indian peace, stability and democracy reminds us again of the need to remain forever vigilant. The Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had reissued travel advice for India, warning that Australians should avoid travelling to Mumbai at this time.
* Canada: Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon in a statement said, Canada strongly condemns the savage terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have left hundreds of innocent civilians injured or killed. These cowardly attacks are truly appalling. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned the 'despicable and cowardly attacks' and offered support.
* Pakistan: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in his message said, We condemn these attacks. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan offers support to India in probing the attacks. Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain termed the act as naked terrorism and said that the people of Pakistan and every peace loving person severely condemns these attacks.
* Iran termed the incident an 'evil acts'.
* Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma termed the attacks 'despicable and barbaric'.
* European Union initiated crisis coordination measures and gets prepared to send humanitarian aid to Mumbai.
Post-blast investigations
The Kolkata Police has issued a notification directing the house owners to maintain a complete database of tenants. The Police has requested the West Bengal Government to comeup with a special anti-insurgenct commando force.
A Pakistani young man believed to have links with the terrorists has been detained at Lucknow.
Mumbai terror attacks in recent news
Important Note: News stories below are not in a specific order
Pak militants under focus following Mumbai terror strike
Pakistani militants have become the focus of the investigation following the terror strikes in Mumbai, according to the Washington Post. ANI
US envoy offers help to terror-hit Mumbai
U.S.Ambassador to India, David C Mulford, on Saturday condemned the terror strikes in Mumbai, and said that he had been directed by President George W Bush to offer cooperation to the Indian authorities. ANI
`Pakistan has raised the tiger which they are unable to ride now, says Farooq
Giving a clean chit to Pakistan as far the Mumbai terror attack was concerned, National Conference Patron and its Chief Ministerial candidate Dr Abdullah said that Islamabad could not be behind the attack as Pakistans Foreign Minister was in India. ANI
Security beefed up in Agra in wake of Mumbai terror attacks
In the wake of Mumbai terror attacks, security has been beefed up in Agra. ANI
Pak-India-UK Forum condemns Mumbai terror strike
The Pakistan, India and UK Friendship Forum has strongly condemned the terrorist strikes in Mumbai that claimed over 150 lives and injured over 290. ANI
Oz actress says shes Bloody lucky to be back home
Australian television actress Brooke Satchwell today said that she was really bloody lucky, to be back home after experiencing the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Arrested terrorist confirms that plans included reducing Taj Hotel to rubble
Arrested Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab has confessed that the terror group that spread mayhem across Mumbai, had received instructions to reduce the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel to rubble, if the need arose. ANI
Britain, US urge India and Pakistan to keep talking
The governments of the United States and Britain are urging India and Pakistan to act with restraint and do nothing that could set back their relations in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks. ANI
US expert on South Asia dubs Mumbai attacks as Indias domestic issue
A noted American political scientist and South Asia expert, Christine Fair has reportedly said that the Mumbai terror strikes were a domestic issue of India, and that no conclusions should be drawn in haste. ANI
New York rabbi, wife killed in Mumbai attacks
New York Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife, Rivkah Holtzberg, the directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, have been confirmed killed by terrorists in Mumbai. ANI
India postpones talks with Pak on Sir Creek issue due to logistical reasons
Apparently due to the Mumbai terror strikes, the Indo-Pak talks on the Sir Creek issue have been postponed once again. India has reportedly ascribed logistical reasons for the same. ANI
Pietersen says teammates ran out of phone batteries attending to calls after terror strikes
England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen has said that he had left it up to his teammates to decide whether they wished to go back to India, because all of them were in a state of shock after seeing blood-soaked bodies in Mumbai hotels. ANI
`We will defeat terrorism and overcome poverty, says Rahul Gandhi
Asserting that the nation will defeat terrorism and at the same time will try to overcome the poverty, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that the terror attacks in Mumbai were aimed at dividing and scaring people. ANI
Ex-England cricket greats say team should go back to play Tests in India
Former England players and cricket captains, including Bob Willis and David Gower, have reportedly said that the England team should return to India to play their scheduled Test matches. ANI
Brit actor with Asian appearance recalls Mumbai terror carnage
A British actor with an Asian appearance said that he literally curled himself up like a small ball as terrorists struck the restaurant in which he was dining. ANI
UK looking into Indias claims that four Mumbai terrorists had links with Britain
UK security agencies are reportedly looking into information sent by Indian authorities to establish whether any British Muslims were involved in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Arrested terrorist says gang hoped to get away
The lone terrorist nabbed alive by National Security Guard (NSG) commandos has reportedly told his Mumbai Police interrogators that he and his 39 colleagues were given the impression that they would come back alive after carrying out their mission of mayhem in Indias commercial capital. ANI
Three terrorists killed, one more nabbed as NSG operation on Taj enters final stretch
Three more terrorists have been killed and a second terrorist has been nabbed alive from the beseiged Taj Mahal Hotel, National Security Guard Director General J K Dutt said on Saturday, even as commandos sought to smoke out the surviving terrorists in the final stretch of their mopping up operation. ANI
NSG launches final and biggest counter-terror offensive on Taj Mahal Hotel
National Security Guard commandos have begun a what they say is their final and probably biggest counter-terror offensives on Mumbais five star Taj Mahal Hotel to flush out the two or three remaining terrorists holed up inside. ANI
Oz cricket bosses, players in financial stand-off following postponement of Champions League
An ugly confrontation is looming between national and state cricket administrators on one side and players who feel they have missed out on rich pickings from the postponed Champions League Twenty20 tournament, reports The Daily Telegraph. ANI
Mumbai terror strikes may lead to Pak destabilization, says Stratfor
Stratfor, the US-based private research agency has reportedly said that Pakistan may face massive destabilisation under pressure from India and the US as fallout of the serial terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
UK says its too early to say anything about Mumbai terror strikes
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reportedly said that it was too early to say anything about the background of the terrorists involved in Mumbai terror strikes. ANI
Pakistan does an about turn, not to send ISI chief to India
The Pakistan Government has done an about turn on its earlier promise to send Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director-General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shujaa Pasha to India in connection with the probe into the terrorist strikes in Mumbai. ANI
Other updates - November 28, 2008
Mumbai attackers have received training from outside India: Experts
Counter-terrorism officials and experts said the scale, sophistication and targets involved in the Mumbai attacks were markedly different from previous terrorist plots in India and suggested the gunmen had received training from outside the country. ANI
Expert says radical terrorists are changing tactics to nurture home grown jihadists
An Iranian-born journalist and author based in Europe has claimed that radical Islamists may be changing their tactics to inspire home-grown jihadists ANI
Laxity in coastal security: Maharashtra Deputy CM
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil on Friday admitted laxity in coastal security in the state. ANI
Nariman House commando operation continues despite early hurrah
There was a last minute drama at 7 o clock here after National Security Guard officials denied that the operation to flush out terrorists at Nariman House was over. ANI
Pakistan connection in Mumbai attacks: Pranab Mukherjee
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that preliminary and prima facie evidence indicates Pakistani connection in Mumbai attacks. ANI
AJC Expresses Grief and Outrage Over Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
PR Newswire
ISI chief will visit India: Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan today agreed to Indias demand to send the chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to New Delhi to share information on ways to tackle the menace of terrorism. ANI
Mumbai terror strike is a message aimed at Obama
The terror strikes in Mumbai this week, which have resulted in the death of over 100 people and injuries to another 327, not only is a devastating assault on Indian democracy, its way of life and its brilliant economy, but also should be seen as a message from terrorists to US President-elect Barack Obama. ANI
Mumbai terror strike might affect US reconciliation moves in S. Asia: NYT
The strategy of the United States in South Asia is likely to come unstuck because of the lack of trust that exists between India and Pakistan, experts feel. ANI
The world cant ignore Indias Islamist terrorists any longer
Islamist terrorists in India have finally made the outside world sit up and take notice by targeting one of the countrys most iconic hotels, The Taj Mahal Palace on Mumbais waterfront and holding hundreds of its wealthy foreign guests hostage. ANI
Indias rescue efforts premature and badly planned, says Israel
Israel defence officials have criticised the way Indian security forces have handled the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Prayers held in New York for well being of fellow Indians in terror-struck Mumbai
More than 100 people, mostly Indians, gathered at the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing, New York, to pray for peace after militant Muslims killed more than 100 people in a bloody rampage. ANI
PM Rudd says 36 Australians still missing in Mumbai
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said tonight that he was deeply concerned about the well-being of 36 missing Australians in Mumbai. ANI
Ex-Australian judge relives Taj Hotel terror drama
A former Australian judge and three-time Olympic rower has said that it was a bloody nightmare to be cornered at gunpoint inside the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. ANI
24 more dead bodies retrieved from Trident-Oberoi hotel, one terrorist arrested
Twenty four dead bodies have been recovered from the terror struck Trident-Oberoi hotel. ANI
Manmohan Singh requests Gilani to send ISI chief to India
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Friday requested his Pakistan counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to send Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha to India to share information about the Mumbai terror attacks. ANI
Indian Americans horrified and humbled by Mumbai terror strike
Indian Americans have reacted with horror to the multiple terror strikes in Mumbai that have left over 120 dead and more than 300 injured. ANI
West Bengal CM condemns Mumbai terror strikes
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today condemned the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Did terrorists launch a fresh shoot out in South Mumbai ?
About three to four terrorists fired at three places in South Mumbai, causing panic all around,as per a television report. ANI
Oberoi-Trident seige over, says NSG
The Oberoi-Trident hotel building has been completely taken over by the security forces after a prolonged battle with terrorists. ANI
Canada condoles death of a Canadian in Mumbai attacks
Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon has confirmed the death of one Canadian citizen in the terror attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Indian shooters satisfied with security measures in Pak
Indian shooters who are in Islamabad to participate in the 4th South Asian Shooting Championship, have reportedly expressed satisfaction at the security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government during their stay throughout the tournament. ANI
Delhi election on Saturday
National capital Delhi is all geared up for elections on Saturday, under a tight security blanket, in the backdrop of the Mumbai terror attacks. ANI
Unshaken Warne says he was very very lucky to have escaped death in Mumbai
Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne returned home this afternoon, after escaping death in Mumbais Taj hotel where he would have stayed from yesterday onwards. He would have been here to participate in the now postponed Twenty20 Championship League. ANI
Western agencies say they had no warning about Mumbai terror strikes
Western intelligence agencies have said that they were surprised that terrorists had singled out Asia and not the United States as a viable place to attack, even as there was talk of the al-Qaida plotting to disrupt the US presidential campaign. ANI
US advises citizens not to visit Mumbai for 2-3 days
The United States is learnt to have issued an advisory to its citizens not to travel to Mumbai, in the aftermath of terror strikes which have so far claimed at least 150 lives. ANI
Indian Navy commandos rescue 200 foreigners including Tajs Managing Director
Two hundred foreigners along with the Managing Director of the Taj Hotel have been rescued in a Indian Navy-led operation at the new Taj building and at least four Chinese made hand grenades, seven A.K.47 magazines, have been recovered from the Taj. ANI
93 hostages rescued from terror-struck Trident-Oberoi hotel
At least 93 hostages have been evacuated from the terror struck Trident-Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai, many of them being foreign nationals. ANI
ECB chief confident of team returning to play two Tests a
Even as uncertainty prevails over the Englands India tour as the visiting England cricket team is scheduled to return home by this evening in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror strikes killing around 150 people, managing director of England Cricket Hugh Morris has exhibited confidence in his teams players, saying they would return (to India) to play the two-Test series. ANI
Experts say planning for Mumbai terror strike in Pakistan, execution by Indian affiliate
Though intelligence and security officials are cautious about arriving at early conclusions on the Mumbai terror strikes, they have admitted that planning for it could have taken place in Pakistan, and its execution was carried out with the help of an Indian affiliate. ANI
Qantas sends Airbus A330-300 to Mumbai
Australian national carrier Qantas has this afternoon dispatched a bigger aircraft to Mumbai, with the capability of airlifting about 297 Australians. ANI
Global spy agencies clueless about Deccan Mujahideen, rule out Qaeda link
Most spy agencies around the world are reportedly clueless about the antecedents of the Deccan Mujahideen, which has claimed responsibility for the planned and synchronized terror strikes in Mumbai. ANI
Indian spy agencies failed due to their overwhelming focus on Pak terror groups
Indian intelligence agencies completely failed in preventing the Mumbai terror strikes because of their overwhelming focus on Pakistan-based militant groups all these years. And, the focus has been so sharp that the Indian spy agencies have forgotten to control the spread of homegrown terrorism, said an article in Pakistan daily The News. ANI
Botham calls England canceling tour a crying shame due to Mumbai terror
Former England cricket captain Ian Botham has said that it was a crying shame to see his countrys side canceling the two last ODIs in the wake of the Mumbai terror strikes. ANI
Injured Aussie looking for his Mumbai heroes
A young Australian is on the lookout for a couple of anonymous heroes in terror-hit Mumbai. ANI
Terrorists will be flushed out in matter of hours, says Army officer
A senior Indian Army officer said on Friday that the operation to flush out all terrorists from two hotels and Nariman House would be completed in a matter of hours. ANI
Canadian actor shot thrice by terrorists in Mumbai
Michael Rudder, a Canadian actor, was shot thrice by terrorists here on Wednesday, and is presently recovering in a hospital. ANI
Brit business honcho escapes certain death in Mumbai
British businessman Paul Bean managed to escape from the bullet- riddled Taj Mahal hotel here, coming within a whisker of death. ANI
Brit yachting tycoon called BBC before being killed
British Greek yachting tycoon Andreas Liveras is said to have given a harrowing account of the situation inside the terrorist-held Taj Hotel in Mumbai, moments before he was shot dead. ANI
Mumbai terror strikes will leave 9/11-like effects in India
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland has reportedly said that while it was too early to comment on what affect the Mumbai terror strikes would lay behind on cricket. ANI
Actress Brooke Satchwell angry at Oz Governments response to Mumbai attacks
The Australian Government has come in for a tongue lashing from actress Brooke Satchwell and her boyfriend in the wake of the multiple terror attacks on civilians in Mumbai. ANI
Four Australians killed in Mumbai terror attacks
Indian authorities here have claimed that terrorists have killed four Australians. ANI
Virginia Father, daughter missing after Mumbai terror attacks
A Virginian father and his daughter who were visiting India are reportedly missing after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. ANI
Wives, kids had put pressure on Oz cricketers against traveling to terror-struck India
Before the inaugural edition of the next weeks Twenty20 Champions League was postponed in the wake of Mumbai terror strikes on Wednesday night, some of senior Australian cricketers had come under heavy pressure from their wives and families to ignore the huge money on offer and refuse to tour, even though a few others were keen to go for the tournament. ANI
Terror-struck Indias sneezing, world cricket catching pneumonia
Mumbai terror strikes, being described as the biggest terror attacks in Indias history, appear to have devastated the world of cricket, as India is the biggest cricket playing nation generating almost three-fourths of worlds total income from cricket. ANI
Advani blames Maharashtra Government for Mumbai terror strikes
Leader of Opposition and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani has charged the Maharashtra Government with failing to gather intelligence to foil the planned and synchronised terrorist strikes in Mumbai that have so far claimed 127 lives and left a further 327 injured. ANI
Grieving relatives throng Mumbai hospitals for information on victims
Grieving relatives thronged Mumbais St. George Hospital on Thursday for information on the victims of the terror strikes that have so far claimed 127 lives and injured 327. ANI
Foreigners head back to their countries following militant attacks in Mumbai
Following the coordinated attacks by heavily armed militants in luxury hotels and several other places across Mumbai, foreign visitors are hurrying back to their countries. ANI
Free Tibet tag on woolen clothes for sale in Lucknow
Tibetan exiles living in Lucknow city sell woolen clothes with a Free Tibet tag as part of non-violent struggle for freedom of their homeland. ANI
Maharashtra Deputy CM says one militant caught alive
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil has confirmed that NSG commandos have caught one militant alive. ANI
NSG opens fire from chopper on Nariman House, firefight with terrorists continues at Trident
Latest reports from the area around Nariman House and the Trident-Oberoi Hotel say that the firefight between the holed up terrorists and National Security Guard (NSG) commandos is still raging on. ANI
Mumbai terror: PM reviews situation
A high-level meeting has taken place in Mumbai to review the situation in the city in the wake of the planned and synchronized terrorist strikes attacks.The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, presided over the meeting. National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, top state government and police officials of Maharashtra, senior army, paramilitary and intelligence officials were also present at the meeting. ANI
NSG opens fire from chopper on Nariman House, firefight with terrorists continues at Trident
Latest reports from the area around Nariman House and the Trident-Oberoi Hotel say that the firefight between the holed up terrorists and National Security Guard (NSG) commandos is still raging on. ANI
Other updates - November 27, 2008
Cabinet meets to discuss post Mumbai blast measures
In the wake of the terror strikes in Indias financial hub Mumbai, Central cabinet held an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi to discuss security measures and the post blast actions on Thursday. ANI
Terror strike toll rises to over 100, injured toll 110; encounters still on
Over a hundred people have been killed in a series of well-coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai late on Wednesday night. ANI
Manmohan Singh likely to address nation in wake of Mumbai blasts
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is expected to address the nation in a couple of hours from now in the wake of Wednesdays nights planned and synchronised terror strikes in Mumbai, which left at least 100 people dead and over 200 injured. ANI
Manhunt, firefight launched against terrorists after they kill 78 in Mumbai serial blasts
Maharashtra Police and Indian Army personnel launched a massive manhunt and a firefight early on Thursday morning against terrorists responsible for planned and synchronized serial bomb blasts across Mumbai late on Wednesday night that left at least 78 people killed, including a foreign tourist and a top counter-terror officer. ANI
Shivraj Patil holds emergency meeting in Mumbai
Home Minister Shivraj Patil held an emergency meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to asses the situation after the multiple terror attack in the nations commercial capital,Mumbai. ANI
International leaders condemn Mumbai terror strikes - Update
There has been widespread international condemnation of the series of shootings across Mumbai in which at least 80 people have been killed and many more injured. Following are some of the statements issued by heads of state, government and leaders, as reported by the BBC. ANI
Kazakh President condemns Mumbai terror attacks, sends condolences to Manmohan Singh
The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, on Thursday expressed his grief over the serial terror strikes in Indias financial capital Mumbai, and offered his condolences to the families of the dead victims and survivors through a message to Indian Prime Minister Dr.Mnamohan Singh. ANI
England denies canceling India tour, to take decision in next 24 hours
Disputing news reports that England had decided to call off rest of the cricket series against India (two ODIs and two Tests) following the Mumbai terror strikes, sources close to the visiting team have said that they have not taken any such decision so far, and that they were in constant touch with the BCCI discussing security issues. ANI
England team cancels remaining tour, T20 League also cancelled after Mumbai terror
The visiting England cricket squad has suspended rest of its tour following last nights multiple terror strikes in Mumbai in which more than 100 people are feared so far. ANI
Lashkar-Qaeda combo most probably responsible for Mumbai terror strikes
A terror expert who contributes analytical pieces to Fox News believes that Wednesdays planned and synchronized terror strikes in Indias financial capital Mumbai, had the hallmarks of banned militant groups like the Lashkar e Toiba or the SIMI. ANI
Oz cricket body suspends Victorian, West Australian sides tour to India
Following Mumbais terror strikes killing more than 100 people, Cricket Australia has reportedly suspended plans for the Victorian and West Australian sides, besides other Test stars, to fly out to India for the Champions League Twenty20 competition beginning December 3. ANI
Shane Warne was to stay at terror-struck Mumbais Taj hotel
Former Australian spinner Shane Warne perhaps narrowly escaped death, as he was to arrive in Mumbai today and stay at the same Hotel Taj which was one of the prime targets of terrorists belonging to Deccan Mujahidden. At least 80 people have been feared dead so far. ANI
Mumbai terror strikes cast doubts over England tour
Last nights terror strikes in Mumbai, in which nearly 80 people are feared dead so far, has cast doubts on the ongoing tour of England cricket team, especially after news reports emerged that the terrorists particularly shot dead foreign citizens, particularly those from US or UK. ANI
Ponting backs ban on travel to India after Mumbai terror strikes
Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting has reportedly backed Cricket Australias decision to ban players from traveling to India for a Twenty20 series following the Mumbai terror attacks, in which more than 100 people are feared dead so far. ANI
New Yorks `Little India shocked by Mumbai terror strikes
Residents of New Yorks Little India have expressed horror at the ongoing carnage in Mumbai that has already claimed over 100 lives and left over 280 injured. ANI
Friday, November 28, 2008
నా మౌనం
నా మౌనం
నా మౌనంలో తీయని బాధుంది
నిను బాధించనన్న భావనుంది
నువు సుఖంగా ఉంటావన్న ఆశవుంది
అంతా నాస్వార్ధం అందుకే నా ఈ మౌనం
నా మౌనంలో తెలియని కోతవుంది
నీ నవ్వు చెదరదన్న ఆకాంక్షుంది
నీ బ్రతుకున పువ్వులునిండాలన్న కోరికుంది
అంతా నాస్వార్ధం అందుకే నా ఈ మౌనం
నా మౌనంలో తీరని ఆశుంది
నీ బాటన ముళ్ళుండవనిపించింది
నీ వయసంతా వసంతమనిపించిది
అంతా నాస్వార్ధం అందుకే నా ఈ మౌనం
నా బ్రతుకును నే మార్చుకున్నా
నా ఆశలు నే మింగుతున్నా
నీ సుఖమే నే కోరుకున్నా
అంతా నా స్వార్ధం అందుకే నా ఈ మౌనం
Three Lashkar fidayeen captured
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Police investigators say they have evidence that operatives of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out the fidayeen-squad attacks in Mumbai — a charge which, if proven, could have far-reaching consequences for India-Pakistan relations.
Police sources said an injured terrorist captured during the fighting at the Taj Mahal hotel was tentatively identified as Ajmal Amir Kamal, a resident of Faridkot, near Multan, in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Highly-placed police sources said two other Pakistani nationals had also been held in the course of intense fighting on Thursday.
All three, the sources said, identified themselves as members of a Lashkar fidayeen squad.
Based on the interrogation of the suspects, the investigators believe that one or more groups of Lashkar operatives left Karachi in a merchant ship early on Wednesday. Late that night, an estimated 12 fidayeen left the ship in a small boat and rowed some 10 nautical miles to Mumbai’s Gateway of India area.
The investigators say the fidayeen unit of which Mr. Kamal was a part then split up into at least six groups, each focussing on a separate target: Mumbai’s Nariman House, which is home to a large number of Israeli families and a Jewish prayer house; the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus rail station; the Cama hospital; the Girgaum seafront; and the Taj and Trident Oberoi hotels.
# Mumbai terror attacks in pictures
# Mumbai terror attacks in pictures - 2
# Mumbai terror attacks in pictures - 3
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# TERROR ATTACKS IN MUMBAI
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# TERROR ATTACKS IN MUMBAI
# Centre rushes NSG commandos
Earlier terror strikes in Mumbai
# Terror strikes Mumbai, over 147 killed
# 46 killed as twin blasts rock Mumbai
Major terror attacks in 2008
# Terror strikes Assam, 62 killed
# 17 killed in Imphal blast
# 20 killed as 5 bomb explosions rock Delhi
# 17 BLASTS ROCK AHMEDABAD
# 60 killed, 150 injured as terror strikes Pink City
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