Mumbai faces its worst terror attack

Since around 10pm on 26 November 2008, Mumbai has been battling a terror attack, and still continues to do so as of this morning 27 November 2008. More than 10 landmark locations have been attacked with grenades and AK-47 shootings by the terrorists. This attack is the most unique of its kind for the city and the nation as a whole. More than 100 people dead and more than 250 injured.

The first attack took place at Leopold Café, a popular joint in Colaba with firing, followed by Taj hotel (Colaba), Oberoi Hotel (Nariman Point), Trident hotel (Colaba), Gateway of India, CST Station, Girgaum, Metro Cinema, Chowpatty, Mazgaon Dockyard, Vile Parle, Napeansea Road, Santacruz. The action has been focused on Taj hotel and Oberoi hotel, where the terrorists have taken many inmates as hostages, and the police is in a battle to rescue those trapped as hostages and within the hotels. Firing has been continuing since last night and the security forces like ATS, NSG, the Army and Navy have been fighting against the terrorists. Many hotel staff have lost their lives in the firing at the two hotels as also almost nine top police officials including ATS Chief Mr. Hemant Karkare, IPS officer APS rank Ashok Kamte and encounter specialists.

Both hotels are prominent destinations for visiting foreigners- many of whom come on a business visit. These comprise of CEOs of MNCs and other such companies. The Diamond Trading Company was scheduled to host a conference on 28th November 2008, with Varda Shine, Managing Director DTC leading the event. It could be possible that some diamantaires (national and foreigners) may be present at the hotel this very moment, those who had prepared to attend the conference.

Colaba being a hub for the high life has now been put under curfew. The city has been on alert and most of the inmates are staying indoors. So far nine suspected terrorists have been arrested, five killed and some four absconding in the city. The terrorists are known to have entered by the Chowpatty sea-route. The boats used by terrorists have been seized by the police.

A commado operation (NSG, RAF and Military) is being prepared for at the moment at the Trident hotel where around five terrorists are believed to be present. Fire engines and ambulances are on stand-by. Five to Six Israeli citizens and a few Canadian nationals are believed to be held hostage in Trident hotel, a few Israel national at Nariman House at Colaba. Also a commando operation is being prepared for the Taj hotel, as a last resort to free the hostages.

The stock exchange has been closed for today, people are moving in scanty numbers out on the streets, schools and colleges have been closed.