The most audacious terror attack in Mumbai
Terror strikes hit life in fast-paced Mumbai
Thursday, November 27, 2008, (Mumbai)
Terror-hit Mumbai came to a virtual standstill on Thursday with trains running almost empty and streets wearing a deserted look as government asked residents not to panic in the face of the most audacious militant attack on the metropolis.
A curfew-like situation prevailed in south Mumbai, the metropolis' business district which is the centre of terror attacks since last night.
The otherwise overcrowded suburban trains, the lifeline of Mumbai, were running on schedule but with only a few office-goers as passengers this morning. Schools and colleges were shut down by authorities and trading at Bombay Stock Exchange and commodity markets stalled in view of the grim situation.
A newspaper vendor at Fort area near CST station where a large number of offices are located said he was not able to sell newspapers as not many people have turned up for work. "Generally, at this time the area is full of people and traffic jams are common. But this morning, it is very calm. It does not look like Mumbai," he said.
A board put up at the station by the railway staff said they were mourning the death of one of its employees - S K Sharma - in the attack along with few other passengers.
"We are glued to the television. But there seems to be so much confusion on what has been happening. No clear picture is emerging. The attacks have hit the Mumbaikars hard," 23-year-old Ramiya said as she set out for work.
At least 100 people have been killed and nearly 300 injured so far in the multiple attacks. Two five star hotels, hospitals and Mumbai CST station were among the key targets.
A British national, who escaped from the clutches of terrorists who took guests hostage at the Taj hotel in Mumbai on Thursday said the militants were young men of not more than 20-25 years of age.
"They (terrorists) were not more than 20-25 years of age.
They were dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts but were very aggressive in their demeanour. They kept screaming that they wanted anyone with a British or an American passport," the witness told mediapersons.
"There were 15 of us and I was really scared since I am a British national. Two of the terrorists, while screaming constantly, took us up the stairs - to the 18th floor. Luckily for us, the room was full of smoke and two of us escaped from the stairs.
"Another three escaped after us but I have no idea about the others. I think about five to seven people are still on the roof," he said.
The terrorists, according to the witness, were carrying a machine gun and one rifle.
The most audacious terror attack in Mumbai began Wednesday night, when militants attacked high profile landmarks, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Metro Theatre and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station.
At least 101 people, including a foreign tourist and four top police officers, were killed and over 250 injured.
A hostage crisis continued Thursday with tourists and other guests being held by terrorists in the two five-star hotels.
A curfew-like situation prevailed in south Mumbai, the metropolis' business district which is the centre of terror attacks since last night.
The otherwise overcrowded suburban trains, the lifeline of Mumbai, were running on schedule but with only a few office-goers as passengers this morning. Schools and colleges were shut down by authorities and trading at Bombay Stock Exchange and commodity markets stalled in view of the grim situation.
A newspaper vendor at Fort area near CST station where a large number of offices are located said he was not able to sell newspapers as not many people have turned up for work. "Generally, at this time the area is full of people and traffic jams are common. But this morning, it is very calm. It does not look like Mumbai," he said.
A board put up at the station by the railway staff said they were mourning the death of one of its employees - S K Sharma - in the attack along with few other passengers.
"We are glued to the television. But there seems to be so much confusion on what has been happening. No clear picture is emerging. The attacks have hit the Mumbaikars hard," 23-year-old Ramiya said as she set out for work.
At least 100 people have been killed and nearly 300 injured so far in the multiple attacks. Two five star hotels, hospitals and Mumbai CST station were among the key targets.
A British national, who escaped from the clutches of terrorists who took guests hostage at the Taj hotel in Mumbai on Thursday said the militants were young men of not more than 20-25 years of age.
"They (terrorists) were not more than 20-25 years of age.
They were dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts but were very aggressive in their demeanour. They kept screaming that they wanted anyone with a British or an American passport," the witness told mediapersons.
"There were 15 of us and I was really scared since I am a British national. Two of the terrorists, while screaming constantly, took us up the stairs - to the 18th floor. Luckily for us, the room was full of smoke and two of us escaped from the stairs.
"Another three escaped after us but I have no idea about the others. I think about five to seven people are still on the roof," he said.
The terrorists, according to the witness, were carrying a machine gun and one rifle.
The most audacious terror attack in Mumbai began Wednesday night, when militants attacked high profile landmarks, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Metro Theatre and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station.
At least 101 people, including a foreign tourist and four top police officers, were killed and over 250 injured.
A hostage crisis continued Thursday with tourists and other guests being held by terrorists in the two five-star hotels.
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