Terror Attacks in Mumbai

venkat_r · Post by **venkat_r** » 27 Nov 2008 09:40

Guys give the media a break, esp the CNN. Their reporting has been good. If at all, they are focusing on the issue and not flowing with the guys who talk about anything else.

Nayak · Post by **Nayak** » 27 Nov 2008 09:41

Scenario is eerily familiar to that in 'The Kingdom'.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 27 Nov 2008 09:41

full details have to be awaited of exactly how this miraculous event took place.

I would think with such senior officers going out to a site, atleast 3-4 other vehicles with well armed people would be in convoy as these people are under high threat category.

TV showed ATS chief outside one hotel, wearing a steel helmet, did this
hijack occur when he left the site and was proceeding to another site?

anishns · Post by **anishns** » 27 Nov 2008 09:42

Has the honorable PM Sahab made an appearance on TV yet....or is he still asleep?
Any country looks up to a leader in times of crisis....
Our aam-janta just goes ahead and helps themselves.....they know that no help is coming
Sad but true!

milindc · Post by **milindc** » 27 Nov 2008 09:42

Shadulla is out and out pathan from Karachi.
Using language like 'Commandos ko nahi Chod de ga'.
On other hand he is sounding completely like Musharaff.. (They definitely are from Karachi)

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 27 Nov 2008 09:43

no sign of him so far. nor our comatose HM. one low level congress(I)
spokesman did make some wishy washy statement with usual soundbytes.

pranabda has cancelled his chandigarh meeting with paki FM qureishi today.

disha · Post by **disha** » 27 Nov 2008 09:43

http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/nov/27b ... is-war.htm

Richard M Bennett

Despite all the evidence provided by the last 20 or so years of terrorism seemingly linked to Pakistan, still nothing positive has been done by the West and its allies to counter this baleful influence, nor probably even seriously contemplated it seems.

The Taliban [Images] in Afghanistan; the jihadists in Kashmir and India, and suicide bombers in Britain all have a positive and provable connection to Pakistan.

Throughout many of the tribal areas and within most of the major cities a veritable terrorist industry is known to flourish with little or effective opposition from Pakistan's authorities.

Terrorists who commit atrocities around the world are often indoctrinated, trained, armed and funded from within this complex network of inter-linked terrorist organisations.

It has been widely believed that Pakistan's own Intelligence service, the Inter Services Intelligence, is a major player in supporting terrorist attacks particularly within India.

Yet, this is the very organisation that has been so assiduously courted by the intelligence services of both the US and UK over the years, and indeed both countries have regularly offered constant excuses for its outrageous behaviour in the past.

Well the chickens are certainly coming home to roost.

Britain's Security Service, MI5, is facing a mountainous task trying to uncover and track a growing number of home grown, but of largely Pakistan origin, terrorists.

The US and NATO are facing an uphill struggle in Afghanistan against a resurgent Taliban aided and supported from with Pakistan's tribal badlands.

While India faces growing unrest in Kashmir and a terrible and brutal terrorist assault on its major cities.

It cannot be seriously denied that in all these terrorist campaigns there is the suspicion of a lurking Pakistan connection. It can be and indeed should be argued most strongly that it will prove almost impossible to defeat terrorism without first going after their safe areas, wherever they are and of course hunting down the terrorist godfathers themselves.

Simply put, the West and its allies should stop treating the symptoms and look to cure the cause of the disease.

Pakistan and any other country that supports or finances terrorism, whether it be Syria, Iran or even Saudi Arabia, must finally be called to account, and if necessary punished for their behaviour.

All those who support terrorism in any way must be held ultimately responsible for their actions.

If Britain, the US or indeed India fails to carry the war to those who make terrorism possible, wherever they may be hiding, then they too most be equally held responsible for their appalling failure to protect their own citizens.

The terrorists and their supporters have declared open war on the democracies and their citizens.

It is now time for the West to stop making excuses for inaction, for a deadly war is undoubtedly underway.

The democracies must ensure that they win in the end and if necessary by whatever means present themselves.

Now is NOT the time for squeamish liberalism, and the terrorists and their supporters should be confronted and defeated in the same uncompromising way as the Allies dealt with Nazi Germany [Images] and its allies.

My heart bleeds for India today.

Richard M Bennett is an intelligence analyst

darshan · Post by **darshan** » 27 Nov 2008 09:43

anishns wrote:Has the honorable PM Sahab made an appearance on TV yet....or is he still asleep?
Any country looks up to a leader in times of crisis....
Our aam-janta just goes ahead and helps themselves.....they know that no help is coming
Sad but true!

I believe there are already comments from other world leaders and there has not been any news from our kumbhkaran.

Nitesh · Post by **Nitesh** » 27 Nov 2008 09:43

A militant holed up inside Mumbai’s Oberoi Hotel told India TV on Thursday that seven attackers were holding hostages inside the luxury establisment.

“There are seven of us inside hotel Oberoi,” the man identified as Sahadullah told India TV.

“We want all Mujahideens held in India released and only after that we will release the people.”

“Release all the Mujahideens, and Muslims living in India should not be troubled,” he said.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » 27 Nov 2008 09:43

milindc wrote:Shadulla is out and out pathan from Karachi.
Using language like 'Commandos ko nahi Chod de ga'.
On other hand he is sounding completely like Musharaff.. (They definitely are from Karachi)

Milind, which channel is this?

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 27 Nov 2008 09:44

PM has said that he will address the nation after the operations are over.

rgsrini · Post by **rgsrini** » 27 Nov 2008 09:44

Rudradev wrote:without the direct, active complicity of some ATS officers.

While it is quite possible for some ATS officers to be complicit in this operations, I don't believe that is the only way to identify which vehicle someone is driving. All that is required is pre-planning (to identify the vehicle), monitoring (following the ATS chief's movement) and communication (to the executing pigs). I don't think it is far fetched to think that the pigs have the capability and the means to do this.

CRamS · Post by **CRamS** » 27 Nov 2008 09:45

Rudradev wrote:
SSridhar wrote:Apparently, the ATS Chief and the other two top officers were moving in a Bolero that was attacked and the officers killed and the Bolero hijacked with terrorists from inside shooting randomly and killing more people.
I can't imagine any way in which the ATS Chief's vehicle could have been identified, successfully targeted, its occupants killed, and then the vehicle hijacked.... without the direct, active complicity of some ATS officers. Without inside info, there's just no way such a thing could happen.

Very embarassing, apart from the tragic loss of life.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 27 Nov 2008 09:45

Whats the news of the other sites like the hospital? Is it cleared? Looks like media frenzy is over the hotels where there are tourists and VIPS.

Do we now atleast have a spokesman appointed by Maharastra govt? Or the police?

anishns · Post by **anishns** » 27 Nov 2008 09:46

This is ridiculous....when our so called leaders fail to show any resolve in times of crisis.
The blame solely lies on us for electing them....

I think a brief message to the nation from the PM, the most powerful man of the country is something to be expected the very least

Singha wrote:no sign of him so far.

pranabda has cancelled his chandigarh meeting with paki FM qureishi today.

Nayak · Post by **Nayak** » 27 Nov 2008 09:46

SSridhar wrote:PM has said that he will address the nation after the operations are over.

Enough time to purchase a dozen bangles, sarees, petticoats, bras and a pack of tampons to be gifted to the Team.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » 27 Nov 2008 09:46

8kg of RDX found in "Bade Miyan" place close to the Taj hotel. CNN IBN

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 27 Nov 2008 09:47

our HM probably operates on bankers hours of 10am-2pm for public counter and 2pm-4pm to close the books and retire for the evening.

even the much maligned LohPurush was miles better than this. this is complete abdication of the highest post.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 27 Nov 2008 09:48

There are 4 terrorists holding up the Jewish families at Nariman House

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 27 Nov 2008 09:48

SSridhar, Where is the IB saying all this. The bane of Indian intelligence is the police nature of the cadre. They are good after the crime.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 27 Nov 2008 09:49

Ramana, I am seeing TimesNow.

Nayak · Post by **Nayak** » 27 Nov 2008 09:50

Hey where is the protector of marathi-manoos Raj Thackrey ?

Btw, I hope BJP gives hell to the UPA on the massive failure of intelligence.

Enquiries must start in Coast Guard and IN on the lapse of picking up those boats.

Heads should roll !!

Mathew G · Post by **Mathew G** » 27 Nov 2008 09:50

ramana wrote:SSridhar, Where is the IB saying all this. The bane of Indian intelligence is the police nature of the cadre. They are good after the crime.

Sad fact is, our security men have to do all the hard work. Then the politicians can make "statements" from the comfort of their homes.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 27 Nov 2008 09:50

They have a spokesman or is it 'sources"?

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 27 Nov 2008 09:51

The IB and other agencies for what ever the reasons is running low these days due to politics and other issues. They suddenly have to deal with mother of all attacks. I do not think they have the grasp this time.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 27 Nov 2008 09:52

so would it be correct to say - taj , oberoi and nariman house are the three hostage situations at present?

and the guys who killed the ATC chief , blew up a taxi in sahar, burst bombs and shot in CST, leopold cafe and hospital made good their escape?

we probably have not less than 20 of the team at loose currently in the
city, and they would have plenty more arms.

they will likely emerge again for a second round of mayhem as night falls
if the mission is one way, or might wait till curfew is lifted and people
come out to cause more casualties.

sunilUpa · Post by **sunilUpa** » 27 Nov 2008 09:52

Rudradev wrote:
SSridhar wrote:Apparently, the ATS Chief and the other two top officers were moving in a Bolero that was attacked and the officers killed and the Bolero hijacked with terrorists from inside shooting randomly and killing more people.
I can't imagine any way in which the ATS Chief's vehicle could have been identified, successfully targeted, its occupants killed, and then the vehicle hijacked.... without the direct, active complicity of some ATS officers. Without inside info, there's just no way such a thing could happen.

ATS chief was shown at site wearing BPJ and helmet. I think it the otheer official who was killed and his Jeep stolen.

anishns · Post by **anishns** » 27 Nov 2008 09:52

Raj wrote:8kg of RDX found in "Bade Miyan" place close to the Taj hotel. CNN IBN

I am sure there's RDX all over the place.....Thank god it didn't explode.
The plan probably was to make it many times devastating compared to the 93 blasts

Spare a thought to the the Police/ATS while not completely succeeding in preventing the attack yet thwarted a major tragedy
God bless them!

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 27 Nov 2008 09:53

Nayak wrote:
SSridhar wrote:PM has said that he will address the nation after the operations are over.
Enough time to purchase a dozen bangles, sarees, petticoats, bras and a pack of tampons to be gifted to the Team.

No Lipstick or High heel shoes!!

Sorry , PM most probably meant he will address the nation after the operation becuase only them he will be sure some Muslims were disturbed by kaffirs in hotels, train station and hospitals .

Shivani · Post by **Shivani** » 27 Nov 2008 09:53

NRao wrote:CNN reporting that Taj recently removed a metal detector!!!

A metal detector does not and cannot stop an armed person. You shoot the guard and step inside the premises.

So much for metal detectors.

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 27 Nov 2008 09:53

Can anybody remember comments on this when we see the Taj burning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phIAnBP7wsI

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 27 Nov 2008 09:53

We want all Mujahideen released: Terrorist inside Oberoi

MUMBAI: A militant holed up inside Mumbai's Oberoi Hotel told a news channel on Thursday that seven attackers were holding hostages inside the
luxury establishment.

"There are seven of us inside hotel Oberoi," the man identified as Sahadullah told the channel. "We want all Mujahideens held in India released and only after that we will release the people."

"Release all the Mujahideens, and Muslims living in India should not be troubled," he said.

Fresh firing erupted early on Thursday in Taj hotel as commandoes moved in to flush out terrorists holding some foreigners hostage after a night of terror targeting ten places in Mumbai.

Army commandoes moved into the luxury Oberoi and the Taj Mahal hotels to flush out terrorists holed up hours after an unspecified number of heavily armed gunmen went on a rampage in ten places in South Mumbai killing 80 persons and taking some foreigners hostage.

Fire and smoke was seen billowing from the hotel as firemen struggled hard to rescue over 100 people still trapped inside.

Five suspected terrorists were killed in two separate incidents overnight including two during a gun battle in the country's iconic landmark Taj hotel, police said.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister R R Patil said nine suspected terrorists have been arrested. Schools and colleges were ordered to be closed.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said five police officers including Anti Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare were killed in one of the worst terror strikes in the country's financial capital that in all claimed the lives of at least 11 police personnel.

"The operation (by security forces) is still going on," he said. Besides army commandoes, naval commandos and Rapid Action force personnel joined in the operations to rescue those stranded in the two hotels. Five columns of Army and 200 NSG commandoes have been rushed. Two sten guns have been recovered by police so far, he added.

Deshmukh said it was not immediately known how many terrorists were involved in the audacious attack in ten places that shook the western metropolis. The chief minister said the Taj and Oberoi are not in control yet. He said there are no terrorists in Cama hospital which was also targeted by gunmen.

Police reported that some hostages were still being held at the Taj Mahal and Oberoi with eyewitnesses saying the gunmen had targeted foreigners after they kept shouting: "Who has US or UK passports?" Several guests were also stuck.

Fire was still raging in the old wing of Taj hotel several hours after it was rocked by five to six blasts and enormous clouds of black smoke rose from the century-old edifice on Mumbai's waterfront.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 27 Nov 2008 09:53

what is this trident hotel? are there hostages held there?

milindc · Post by **milindc** » 27 Nov 2008 09:54

Rudradev wrote:
SSridhar wrote:Apparently, the ATS Chief and the other two top officers were moving in a Bolero that was attacked and the officers killed and the Bolero hijacked with terrorists from inside shooting randomly and killing more people.
I can't imagine any way in which the ATS Chief's vehicle could have been identified, successfully targeted, its occupants killed, and then the vehicle hijacked.... without the direct, active complicity of some ATS officers. Without inside info, there's just no way such a thing could happen.

The media is to be blamed. They plastered Hemant Karkare image all over the channels y'day night at 11:45 pm when he arrived at Taj. They followed him over all the place. Scums were watching Live coverage....
On cell phone, no protection and with his team as if he out for encounter of a local gangster. Call it premonition, I angrily told my wife on why this guy doesn't wear protection and why is being beamed over all the channels. The cops just had pistols out while the news was that scums had AK-47 and grenades.

KLNMurthy · Post by **KLNMurthy** » 27 Nov 2008 09:54

Nayak wrote:Scenario is eerily familiar to that in 'The Kingdom'.

On those lines, I've been experiencing this horrid nightmare of an Emergency declaration by the UPA govt. Gawd help us.

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 27 Nov 2008 09:56

Shivani wrote:
NRao wrote:CNN reporting that Taj recently removed a metal detector!!!
A metal detector does not and cannot stop an armed person. You shoot the guard and step inside the premises.

So much for metal detectors.

They shot everyone on the street to enter Taj. It is impossible to have keep gun trotting comandos always in luxury hotels. Who will come if they see sten gun weilding gaurds at the hotel. Indian security apparatus has reached catch-22 situation. Defensive posture time is over. There needs to be a fresh look and different approach to the concept of national security.

sunilUpa · Post by **sunilUpa** » 27 Nov 2008 09:57

Singha wrote:what is this trident hotel? are there hostages held there?

Oberoi.

KLNMurthy · Post by **KLNMurthy** » 27 Nov 2008 09:57

Nayak wrote:
SSridhar wrote:PM has said that he will address the nation after the operations are over.
Enough time to purchase a dozen bangles, sarees, petticoats, bras and a pack of tampons to be gifted to the Team.

Not sure what you are talking about here, since I can think of plenty of women leaders who would have handled this far better. Like, say Kiran Bedi.

rgsrini · Post by **rgsrini** » 27 Nov 2008 09:57

Mathew G wrote:Sad fact is, our security men have to do all the hard work. Then the politicians can make "statements" from the comfort of their homes.

do you want the politicians to go near Taj (and other places in Mumbai) now and divert the attention of everyone there. Politicians have other roles to play, which is to make decisions to empower the task force, arranging the necessary resources, maintain communication with the world leaders and reassuring the public, if needed.

milindc · Post by **milindc** » 27 Nov 2008 09:58

Raj wrote:
milindc wrote:Shadulla is out and out pathan from Karachi.
Using language like 'Commandos ko nahi Chod de ga'.
On other hand he is sounding completely like Musharaff.. (They definitely are from Karachi)
Milind, which channel is this?

IndiaTV