
| Font Size |



The reports had warned that there could be a possible entry of terrorists into Mumbai through the sea route, a top police official claimed.
"This intelligence was available six months ago and subsequently a barge was found by the locals on Shrivardhan coast in Raigad district four months back," the official, who did not wish to be identified, said.
Locals feared that the barge might have contained explosives but nothing was found when customs and naval personnel inspected it.
The terrorists, who created havoc in Mumbai overnight, came by boats, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has said.
Militants armed with automatic weapons and grenades attacked Taj and Oberoi hotels, hospitals and a famous tourist cafe in Mumbai late on Wednesday, killing more than 100 people.
* WHO IS BEHIND THE ATTACKS?
Witnesses say the attackers were young South Asian men speaking Hindi or Urdu, suggesting that they are probably members of an Indian militant group rather than foreigners.
The attacks were claimed by a previously unknown group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen in an e-mail to news organisations. Deccan is an area of southern India.
Analysts say that while it is not clear whether the claim is genuine, the attacks were most likely carried out by a group called the Indian Mujahideen. The name used in the claim of responsibility suggests the attackers could be members of a south Indian offshoot or cell of the Indian Mujahideen.
* WHO ARE THE INDIAN MUJAHIDEEN?
Indian police say the Indian Mujahideen is an offshoot of the banned Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), but that local Muslims appear to have been given training and backing from militant groups in neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh.
SIMI has been blamed by police for almost every major bomb attack in India, including explosions on commuter trains in Mumbai two years ago that killed 187 people.
Police said the Indian Mujahideen may also include former members of the Bangladeshi militant group Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami.
* WHY ARE THEY SUSPECTED OF BEING BEHIND THE MUMBAI ATTACKS?
The Indian Mujahideen have made credible claims of responsibility for most of the recent major attacks on civilian targets in India over the past two years.
The Mumbai attacks appear to have been carefully co-ordinated, well-planned and involved a large number of attackers. A high level of sophistication has also been a hallmark of previous attacks by the Indian Mujahideen.
The Mumbai attacks also focused clearly on tourist targets, including two luxury hotels and a famous cafe.
In May, the Indian Mujahideen made a specific threat to attack tourist sites in India unless the government stopped supporting the United States in the international arena.
The threat was made in an e-mail claiming responsibility for bomb attacks that killed 63 people in the tourist city of Jaipur. The e-mail, signed by "Guru Al-Hindi", declared "open war against India" and included the serial number of one of the bicycles on which the bombs were left.
Witnesses in Mumbai say the attackers in Mumbai singled out Americans and Britons in their attacks.
* WHAT OTHER ATTACKS HAVE INDIAN MUJAHIDEEN CARRIED OUT?
The group first emerged during a wave of bombings in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in November 2007, sending an e-mail to media outlets just before some of the bombs exploded.
Their next attacks were the Jaipur blasts.
On July 25, eight small bomb attacks in the IT city of Bangalore on July 25 that killed at least one person and wounded 15. There was no known claim of responsibility.
But a day later, at least 16 bombs exploded in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, killing 45 and wounding 161. Shortly before the blasts, an e-mail in the name of the Indian Mujahideen was sent to local media warning that people would soon "feel the terror of death" in the name of Allah.
It said the attacks were revenge for the Gujarat riots of 2002, when around 2,500 people, most of them Muslims, were killed by Hindu mobs. A later e-mail accused several state governments of harassing, imprisoning and torturing Muslims and threatened consequences if they did not stop.
In September, at least five bombs exploded in crowded markets and streets in New Delhi, killing at least 18 people.
The Indian Mujahideen sent out an e-mail moments after the first blast in New Delhi, saying the explosions were to prove its capability to strike in the most secure of Indian cities.
* WHAT WAS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE MUMBAI ATTACKS?
All previous incidents in which the Indian Mujahideen are suspected of involvement involved co-ordinated serial bombs.
The Mumbai attacks also show clear signs of coordination but were carried out by gunmen, some carrying grenades.
The tactics -- a military-style assault on soft targets, singling out foreigners, and taking hostages -- is rare and does not fit the usual methods of militant attacks on civilian areas.
However, similar attacks have been carried out before, notably the May 2004 attacks in the eastern Saudi city of Khobar.
Gunmen attacked two oil industry installations and a foreign workers' housing complex in the city, taking more than 50 hostages and killing 22 of them. The attackers asked hostages whether they were Christian or Muslim before deciding whom to kill.


Discuss this story on expressindia forums
|
|


Its time to be calm and not to presume. Lets get out of all political and international mind sets and find the cause to the illicit act. The actors responsible should be apprehended whether be local or outsiders. Blind presumed accusations will never help.
It is high time we learnt to distinguish between terrorism and a war in disguise. The correct response to the Mumbai attack is certainly not to raise our accusing fingers against a nation or two and sit back with brazen ease of willing suspension of disbelief. The aptest response to this would be to raise a central force having its own elaborate intelligence wing strictly meant for defending few most important cities, establishments and installations besides waging a full scale diplomatic war against the nation behind such dastardly cold blooded attacks against us. This central force would be responsible for thwarting any attack or threat to the peace of these cities either from outside or form inside. This might prove great step towards ensuring not only the nation’s security but also it’s integrity.
Whenever terror strikes, the whole india should march in a single line against terror... Pls understand, we want to live in a peaceful nation... we r not seeing pakistan as our enemy... But if they want to do so, then our government and army should teach them a good lesson... PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN...
THE WAR IS ON.....ONLY PROBLEM, THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO REALIZE IT IS THE MUSLIM EXTREMISTS. WAKE UP OR DIE DEMOCRACY.
It's very interesting to note that Government Supporting Maulana MS Yadav and Sri Lalu P Yadav have always wanted to remove the ban on SIMI. This requires an investigation to find out the motive by these 2 individuals wjo are directly or indirectly part of our administration at national level. A CBI inquiry might help the relationship between SIMI and these 2 'Yadavs'.
this very bad news for indians,Mumbai is very good city,we are potest aganist the terrorsits we have to close the chapter of the terrorsit,be alert be strong to face the terrorists in India,clear the person as soon as possible,be Indian - ready to fight aganist the terrorist be ready
I m praying for all people who died in incident ocur by the terrorism. Terrorism people is most wanted people, they are the futures of computerized life why they spoiling there life don't know. My opinion is to don't kill life of others which is not made by you and not your decision also, this shows you are Devil or Monster or evil or killer. I pray to God for your life. Which is only for the God is to God and to the God, Amen.
Have you caught even one miscreant. If not what is truth of your saying. so let us wait to hear further development of investigation behind this devastation. I hope by sincere effort with determination the truth shall lcome out and then we should be complacent.
the way the terrorists are talking it is assured that these are pakistanis.(pakistani accent). i am familiar with the accent and these are not indians.Deccan Mujahadeen is just to confuse the security agencies.it seems these terror outfits under different names are controlled by the same people
India should do the same to the militants that Israel does. Kill them, destroy their homes, vanish their leaders without a trace. No more leader to inspire no more young youths to be influenced, no more terrorists arrested and living to fight the court cases. Shoot first ask questions later
your statement is ridiculous. We are here talking how to get rid of terrorism; ironically your suggestions are the way to become a terrorist. Remember killing any innocent people for ones belief is called terrorism - no matter who does it.
but i think that thier hands and legs should be cutted and they should be left so that the other terriorists should know wat will happen when they r doing such an idiotic act in the name of mujahideen i feel shame to be a muslim
Dear Brother, Your anger againt those who indulge in such task which is against the very basic principle of religion. The religion is suppose to guide us to refrain from doing any wrong. Such act in the name of religion are un-warranted. Why a person like your thinking be shame to be muslim. People with thinking like you are are real muslim who feel what is right
Yes, your suggestion might be considered. If accepted, the Malegaon accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh, Srikant Purohit, Dyanand Pande, etc. must be shot be shot at. Do you agree?
provided they were found openly hurling bombs and firing indiscriminately ,which is not the case here,wait for the results of investigations ,rather than jumping on conclusions
Dear all, its not time to give comments, it time to DO OR DIE....so its better government, kindly at least now give chance to INDIAN ARMY they are the right people to Handel the terrorism.. Instead of day by day terror activities lets clear it at a time...
Dear friend I hope you all will be fine.I only want to tell you that this is the game of super power who wanted to see both the countries fighting against each other so they may be able to sold their arms for the survival of their economy.
there is no super power, only muslim fanatics and thier warped idealogy..why cannot they leave the world in peace!!shame on them
It is indeed very shameful....Congress wants vote bank of terrorists also ?
MY condolence to the Brave men who have lost their life. If this attack is done by the Indian militants ,govt has to take action on them .I dont want to see India as a terrorist country.I am scared if India stands next to Afghanistan in terms of terror.
The entire group involved in this cruertly incident has to identified
After reading some comments posted here, I have come to know that there are some people who, living in India, are eager to see this country's complete destruction (see some of the comments posted to understand what I mean). It is such people that we need to wipe out from our country and such an ideology that we need to destroy from root.
First it is our national politicians
I am Muslim and I think the terrorists have done Islam proud. According to the Quran, the only people allowed to live peacefully on Earth are the Muslims, all others must be given a chance to convert, or face the sword. These Shaheeds have brought pride and glory to Allah and may he bless them.
hey you, i dont think you ve the knowledge to represent muslims. Islam doesnt endorse any of the policy you just stated. What you said is against islam concept. So if you are not sure what you are talking, keep quiet. On the otherhand, i also think you could be faking to be a muslim to give such a statement.
I don't know from where did you get this wrong idea my friend but there is no religon or holy book in this earth that says to kill innocent people all i want to say if it would have been any loved one of your family at the mercy of the terrorist you would have had another thought about the terrorist you would have theri are not human. Why is this isn't there other loved ones of other family. Read the Quran properly.
You are crazy sir. Nor Islam neither Quran tells anyone to kill innocent people. Islam is the religion of peace and to get things straight, please go and read Quran and Ahadees. Prophet Mohommed (PBUH) lived in Makkah for 13 years without voilence, regardless of having companions like Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Ali (Karam Ullah Wajh). You are wrong to say that These terrorists were right to do whatever they did.
Editor, pleas find out the source of this email. This man appears to be a terrorist . He has to be arrested immediately.
my dear friend I am surprised to read your article, you say that you are a muslim, but I am sorry to say you cant be a muslim just by calling your self afzal you cant become a muslim, you have given a wrong satement regarding the terrorism, it is haraam in islam, and for your kind info. islam is the religion of peace, do you know what does islam stand for it is shame that you call your self a muslim, please do not malign islam with no knowledge, if you are willing to be a real muslim please read the Holy Quraan and read it with the translation, it teaches peace and only peace, I dont know where did you get that kind of statement probably some one like you translated it as per his choice and a person like you is likely to be affected. May Allah show us and every one to walk according to Quraan and may he guide every ignorant...
Afzal. You call yourself a muslim. What proves us you are so ? Your words are those of a stereotype ennemies of islam have well constructed. What tells us you are not one of those who's done a quick google search and come up with the name of Mohammed Afzal Guru, convicted in the 2001 Parliament attacks. Recent Indian history tells us that disguise is the best form of attack. Look at the Nanded hindu fascist group which had planned to conduct attacks disguised as muslims. Take the time to think before coming to conclusions that will only fuel hate.
No religion taught hate to humans. As I know and read Holy Quran, there is not a single word to kill the innocent people on earth because all are creation of Almighty God. My friend people like you are spreading the hate and reason for creation of terrorist. It's all political game.My real concern is why they killed ATS Chief!Is this not a conspiracy to divert the mind of people from ongoing malegaon blast case...just thought! Please spread the peace
Afzal, who ever you are. People like you are the cause for this kind of pain. You play with fire, die with fire. I am not sure what islam teaches but if this is the islam then we should we should send them to the dark ages, where they belong. Not a civilised philosophy.
heyyy stop ur nonsense. even i am muslim but this thing is not acceptable. In quran there is nothin about terrorism and killing innocent people. in india everyone is human not like pakistan animals. dont think these terrorist will be rewarded by god. they will be punished by god.
There is complete lack of accountability on the political leaders who occupy serious positions like Home ministry, defency minitry etc. We can only recall the good olden leaders like Lal Bhahadur Shatri who resigned as Railyway Minister due to an accident killing several people. We have also the shining example of our late prime Minister for the blue star operation. The present day politicians are spineless and irresponsible. Look at amar Singh who is supporting SIMI? The whole political system should undergo a total change to bring in accountability and responsibility as other wise the weakness will catch up with our military system which will bring hell to the nation.
The politicians who are responsible to act, remain silent and safe. We need some 'concerned' administrative mechanism. We should not blame them. After all we chose them! Or remained inactive while choosing.
If Raj Thakerey is a true blood Mumbaikar he should on the streets fighting for its people.he simply is a paper tiger....a polictical eunuch who does not have the guts when it comes to action. Mumbai will bounce back..thanks to its spirit and not because of its policticians.
its very shameful.
Was Mumbai administration sleeping if terrorists came to Mumbai by boats. Vilasrao Deshmukh should be ashmed of saying this. He has no right to continue as the CM even for a minute if he can't take care of his own people. Is the media also sleeping like the Maharashtra CM. I don't understand why it is not condemning such baseless statements from the head of the state. If a rape happens in Junagadh in Gujarat the english media reports it for the next 6 months and criticises the Chief Minister Modi almost everyday. But when such devastation and loss of life has taken place Viilasrao Deshmush and the Congress is untouched because of their friendship with the anti national media. Its a shame that we have such uncaring politicians and irresponsible media.
how many terrorists had come to mumbai i heard there were 17 and only 13 are killed where are the other 4
This is another serious case of intelligence failure. This is waht happens if all the numerous agencies are filled with retired bureaucrats who are comfortable pushing papers and not hot blooded enough to do something more constructive. Do have a dearth of talented younger people who can take these challenges?
if its true that terrorist came through sea then its failure in the national security.and time will come when we will hear that we being ruled by our neighbours.
Dear Friends. i am a citizen of Pakistan as you are citizen of India. i have some question to ask and wants to share my feelings, and i hope every Pakistani has the same feelings as i have.Why you people think that Pakistani are terrorists? you certainly know that we are facing more terror in Pakistan than you, Daily bomb blasts in Pakistan and terrorist are killing innocent Pakistani people. We are against terror and refuse this type of "JIHAAD" which kill innocent Kids, Woman, Man, old citizen etc. We also feel pain when we see death bodies of people and injured people...... Dear Freinds as i have written before this we were the part of India, and our thinkings are same as yours thinking. We are also against terrorism. I have a Question: If Delhi is sperated from India, so the thinking or Delhi people will change after some years? Never! They always have the same feelings like other Indian. PLEASE DO NOT BLAIM ON PAKISTAN PEOPLE ARE SAME AS YOU. ITS THE GAME OF POLITICS.
Dear Adeel, "citizen" of Pakistan ..... your country is being attacked by your fellow "countrymen" while India is being attacked by Pakistani Terrorists. Is the difference clear ? Now shut up and stop pretending to be naive.
I have met Adeel like persons. Muslims are not all terrorists. Saudi Arabia and many muslims including Pakisthan suffer due to terrorism. But what I feel is the muslims intellectuals never condemn this vehemently and the mullahs rule the mind and heart of simple muslims.
I see some people saying that muslims do not condemn terrorism.There have been atleast more than dozen meetings and forums where All Muslim faction leaders have condemned terrorism personaly as well on religious grounds.The problem is that the media does not report it extensively as it does other activities,because majority of media houses are patronised or run by politicians or people close to them for whom this kind of situation is most ideal for Political gains. Moreover Like Advani
whats happening in waziristan, NWFP and along Durand line? Who supported Taliban LET and et cetra? Who cries out loud when us pilotless drones attack terrorist camp which should have been attacked? And whats answer to all above questions?
Dear Adeel.We are really touched by your posting and appreciate your understanding.If you hear any rhetoric against Pakisan at this moment in this, it is purely due to emotional outburst against the terrorist, the failed security apparatus of this country and spineless political leadership.We do understand all the Pakistanis are not terrorist, you too have a war like situation in your country.We are not against any nation, religion or group.Please understand all the speak happening now on the web is against these mindless terrorist,with wrongly trained minds, killing innocent people.People on both the sides of the border must unitedly uproot this evil once for all for the prosperity of this once richest region.