Jeremy Page in Bombay
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Graphic: how terror spread | They came to kill and maim | Survivors' tales | Analysis: Bronwen Maddox | Andreas Liveras shot dead | The specialist in 'encounter killings' | Was al-Qaeda was pulling the strings? | Opinion: Maria Misra | Leading article: Massacre in Bombay
India pointed an accusing finger at Pakistan yesterday as commandos fought suspected Islamist terrorists through the corridors of two of Bombay’s top hotels. Dozens of foreigners were still being held hostage or trapped in the buildings.
At least 125 people were killed and 327 wounded in Wednesday’s attacks on some of the city’s most high-profile buildings. Local hospitals and police said that the toll would rise further.
Nine foreigners were among the dead, including one Briton, a Japanese businessman, an Australian, a German and an Italian. Andreas Liveras, a 73-year-old British shipping tycoon, was shot dead moments after telling reporters that he was hiding in the basement of the Taj Mahal Palace.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office would not say how many British citizens were injured, trapped or being held hostage at the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels. Between 15 and 20 French nationals were inside.
Seven people were rescued from a residential complex that houses a Jewish centre. The Israeli Embassy said that ten of its citizens were being held hostage. A militant inside called a television channel to offer talks with the Government. He complained about rights abuses in Kashmir, over which India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars since 1947.
The Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, blamed the multiple attacks on forces “outside the country”, a thinly veiled reference to Pakistan. The Indian Navy boarded a cargo ship that had recently arrived in Bombay from Pakistan. The tension conjured memories of a militant attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, which almost sparked a fourth war between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Helicopters buzzed and crowds cheered as commandos moved into the Oberoi, where 20 to 30 people were thought to have been taken hostage and more than 100 were trapped in rooms. Gunshots rang out and flames billowed from a window.
The Taj Mahal hotel was also rocked by explosions and gunfire. Police claimed that only one injured militant remained in the building.
*Foreign Office phone line for concerned relatives: 020 7 0080000
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This Childish name calling between India and Pakistan should stop. If this continues General Musharraf wil win. The Pakistani Army wil ask him to take over and defend Pakistan from its enemies. Just what Musharraf planned and hoped for.
Michael Wilson, Conley, USA
As a country, we need to move on from partisanship and act like adults.
I did not vote for Obama, however, he "was" elected.
We must respect that and support him.
If you disagree with his policy and philosophy ( I do, in most areas)
we need to be part of a loyal opposition and work hard for change
BobSledd, Mahwah, USA
Why are we blaming our president OR president-elect for any of this? Three wars between Pakistan and India since 1947? Is that a lot, or should we be thankful there have only been three?
guillermo, minneapolis,
Obama is too busy trying to play economic mater to worry about WWIII. The world is at war! We need to open our eyes and see that the terrorist are waging war on all civilized nations. We need to team up and fight with all of our recources
andy, delaware, usa
I thought Obama was the Messiah. What is happening. The main stream media!!! Did they lie to us. Please Obama perform some miracals. Save the world!
Brad Polland, Fayetteville,
GW's fault?... I was wondering how long it would take brfore someone would say that
Dave, Dallas, USA
M.H. Morgan, George, and Jonathon--you people are pathetic to whine about Obama winning the election with respect to an article about incredible suffering and loss of life in India.
Except for these three, America's thoughts and prayers go out to the people of India tonight.
Jeff Smith, Westminster, USA
It is sad that all over the world religion sets the behavioral precedent. That violence is the inherent answer. Some one should let them know it's wrong.
Religious fanaticics take things to such extremes.
Allow India to solve this, As a country they have all the man power and recources.
NO?
Dan, cheboygan, USA
Sadly, Bush is a lame duck president and is not likely to show leadership in resolving a conflict between India and Pakistan, which could erupt if it is revealed that Pakistani elements, such as ISI, were involved in these attacks. Obama's first day isn't until January. We can't hold our breath.
Brooke, Washington, DC, USA
Comments from some posters regarding Obama are in poor taste and misleading. Sure, Obama is President elect but he doesnt take over until Jan 20. Uptill then you guys have the all American hero, G. W. (what me worry?) Bush to thank for all your troubles.
John Taylor, London,
God bless those innocent people!
KK, BJ, PRC
This has nothing to do with Obama or USA... can't you see these people are hurting. Why not offer sympathy instead of small minded conservative arrogance?
My heart goes out to those innocents who are injured and their families.
Ts, Milwaukee, USA
this is not the first time a terror attack like this occured in India and they point their fingers to Pakistan. A high level Indian Military officer was arrested for the "Samjhota Express" and another blast which was at the time of blast blamed as usual on the Pakistanis. Check their own backyard.
jd, virginia, USA
I am proud to be an Indian . India will bounce back and its spirit will only rise ,There wont be any riots .India is unites in this .
ss, Nagpur,
If Obama would only speak to the attackers I know the situation would be resolved and everybody could go home happy. He could offer them change.
M.H.Morgan, san diego, USA
I am so suprised. I heard John Kerry and all the other Democrats tell us time and time again, that once Obama was elected, these attacks would stop. What happened?
George, Queens, USA
Not everything is about the USA. India has suffered numerous terrorist attacks in recent years.
Michael, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
Nuclear war between India and Pakistan is what awaits us next.
Welcome to Nastradamous predicted Future Shock.
Quentin, Broome, Australia
I thought after the election of Barack Obama, everyone would love us now. Why were these Muslim terrorists targeting US citizens? England had her prize fool, Neville Chamberlain. Does America now have its own Neville Chamberlain? Why are the terrorists attacking when we all love one another now?
Jonathon Moseley, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA