TERROR STRIKES MUMBAI

Samarth Pathak Hardnews/Delhi
 

Swept in a whirlpool of terror, Mumbai remains under siege since nearly 30 hours now as the forces and militants continue to engage in an explosive combat. Reportedly, at least 125 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in what is being described as the worst terrorist strike to have ever been witnessed in India. The financial capital of the nation has come to a virtual standstill as schools and colleges across the city remain closed, and the stock markets shut down. The carnage caused by the devastating attacks has not only come as a shocker to the masses, but also highlights a disturbing shift in the terror tactics employed by militant outfits in the past.

According to reports, the carnage began on the night of November 26 at Leopold Café in south Mumbai, which is a popular hang out amongst foreigners. Within a short span of two hours, the heavily armed terrorists had struck ten locations including five star hotels, railway station and hospitals. Amongst the targets of the well orchestrated attacks were high profile locations of Mumbai like The
Taj Palace Hotel, The Trident Hotel, The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, The Leopold Café, Cama hospital and Nariman House.

The militants reportedly began firing with machine guns and launched grenades to maximize the damage. Witnesses at the Taj Palace hotel said foreign nationals were also taken hostage by the terrorists with the intention to capture international attention. Many VIP's including the Jewish priest Gabriel, President of Madrid Esperanza Aguirre, MP N.N Krishnadas and British Conservative Sajjad Karim were amongst those present in the hotels. Due to the exchange of fire between the forces and the militants, gunshots were heard and multiple blasts also took place in the premises, resulting in fire.