On Wednesday, terrorists struck Mumbai, India -- holding captive those with American and British passports.
Coordinated terrorist attacks struck the heart of Mumbai, India' s commercial capital, on Wednesday night, killing dozens in machine gun and grenade assaults on at least two five star hotels, the city's largest train station, a Jewish center, a movie theatre and a hospital.
Mumbai is one of India's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. It is also the country's financial capital. Mumbai witnessed the most violent terrorist attack in recent history. More than 130 people have been killed and more than 300 people founded injured.
Currently, it appears the Oberoi hotel has been freed from terrorists. Gunshots are still being fired at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Guests and staff have been evacuated. Indian commandos killed two Islamist gunmen after storming the Jewish center but failed to save at least two hostages trapped inside.
Thanks for this update, Katha!
Are the terrorists thought to be Pakistani?
If they are Muslim, will there be outrage among the citizenry in India?
Thanks for the quick publish David!
No one has officially taken responsibility for the calamity except a previously unknown militant group called - Deccan Mujahedeen.
In that case they might be connected with the Indian Mujahedeen group who were responsible for serial blasts that took place in different cities this year.
The attackers are Muslim, we can only hope that we will be "one" in this crisis - that's what we need more than retaliation; but yes, there is a chance for that.
What is the percentage breakdown of the religious sects in India, Katha?
Which religion holds the majority government power?
Katha!
Thanks for publishing this! What a horrendous act! All places of public gatherings esp. bus/train stations and airports, religious places and hotels are guarded and conducting thorough checks now.
Lets hope that this thing ends quickly with no more casualties!
The majority comprises of Hindu - almost 78%. 14% population is Muslim, 8% Christians, rest is ohters - Buddhist, Sikhs, Jains, Jews etc.
Indian govt. was always inclusive, that's one of its 'usp'.
The current President is hindu lady, the former was exceptionally talented Muslim, the current vice president is muslim, the prime minister (most powerful person in the country) is sikh.
http://india.gov.in/govt/whoswho.php
Hi Dananjay,
Yes, I find it absolutely ridicuouls. Infact, I have never questioned our democracy but this incident is making me think - whether we really deserve it or not. May be we need dictatorship for a few years before we become mature enough to handle our own issues.
One of my colleagues lost her fiance in this, she just flew Bombay this morning to be with his parents...
Thank you, Katha! I heard on the news that if the terrorists are, indeed, Muslim, and if the current government punishes them unduly for their deeds, other Muslims in India will rise to defend the terrorists. Mumbai, the news suggested, is a "Muslim stronghold" -- they dominate the city citizenry -- so doing anything punitive there will take great and dramatic care.
Hi Katha!
It's extremely unfortunate. But we've seen what happens when we replace democracy with dictatorship in Pakistan.
We've seen worse than this in India and I think we'll pull through this alright. And Bombay is a resilient city, it has always come out of such dire situations stronger and better.
Sorry to hear about your friend's loss. This is a painful time for so many.
Update:
Oberoi hotel and Nariman House is free, Taj decalred free early morning, more than 150 people is dead.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Terrorists_killed_at_Taj_hotel_Reports/articleshow/3771119.cms
One arrested militant said their Lashkar bosses were very sure of their safe trip back.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Arrested_terrorist_says_gang_hoped_to_get_away/articleshow/3771598.cms
David,
Attackers or terrorists should not be considered based on their religion - but unfortunately that's what is the case now.
I am not sure if Bombay is a "Muslim stronghold" - other north Indian or central Indian city like - Hyderabad, Lucknow should be called the same. But yes, like any other important metro, Bombay is a mix of all religion.
Indian army is also a combination of various religions and culture, so is its sports team.
The face of retaliation can be many, we only hope to come out stronger than ever as "one".
I understand your point Dananjay, and I can only hope for the best.
I also hope we will stand strong and together to withstand the trouble.
Update:
Suketu Mehta, a professor of Journalism at New York University explains why Mumbai is always a target; the city loves to dream big...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/opinion/29mehta.html?_r=1
Update:
The Taj, Trident reopens three weeks after the terror attack -
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Trident_Taj_Tower_open_doors_to_guests_today/articleshow/3867816.cms