Mumbai's 49 Hours Tryst With Terror

(Pictures courtsey Mumbai Mirror)

It was the black night of November 26, 2008 that painted the Indian city of Mumbai red with blood. 10 terrorists struck Mumbai on that fateful night with massive arms and ammunition. Multiple sites in the Mumbai were attacked with bombs and gunfire in a coordinated terror attack. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Trident Hotel, Nariman House and CST were amongst the main sites that were brutally hit by the terrorists. Besides these sites, terrorists openly fired on the innocent people on the Mumbai streets. The attacks killed 179 people, including at least 22 foreigners. Over 300 injuries were reported. It was nothing less than a WAR.

The attackers entered Mumbai via the waterfront near the two hotels. The first attack occurred about 9:30 pm at the Cafe Leopold on November 26, 2008. A man was seen firing an AK-47 in the Taj Mahal Palace hotel lobby before fleeing into the kitchen. Another series of injuries was reported when a gunman opened fire at a central train station. As the rampage progressed, gunmen opened fire at several locations throughout the city, including a crowded train station, a popular restaurant and several luxury hotels.

In the wee hours of November 29, 2008 the tryst with terror in Mumbai ended after battling continuously for 49 hours with the terrorists. The last gunmen were cleared out of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel on Saturday morning, November 29, as firefighters continued work putting out blazes on the first few stories. The terror strike finally got over as the sun dawned. A previously unknown group called the Deccan Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack via email. The terrorists apparently sought victims with British or American passports.

The bloody show that was put up for almost 3 days has angered the citizens of India. According to intelligence reports Delhi Airport is next on their hit list.
Today I received an e-mail on ‘Travel Advisory’ from my company stating that there is high security alert for the coming week on Delhi Airport and that the employees should travel only if it is essential.

Though, the terrorists might have been cleared out of Mumbai by the heroic efforts of NSG commandos, the ATS and the Mumbai police force. But the BIG question still dangles unanswered - ARE WE SAFE. Is our tryst with the terror not yet over?