Mumbai Fighting Narrows To One Hotel

4:00 pm
Chambria N. Brawley

As a result of three agonizing days brought about by an unidentified group of terrorists, at least 150 people have been confirmed to be dead; of those 150, it is known that two were American citizens. The terrorists have evaded local luxury hotels such has the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi, train stations, as well as other prominent tourist spots such as the Nariman House were at the center of these deadly charades, in which foreigners were their desired targets (especially Americans, Britons, and Israeli citizens); numbers of individuals were held hostage with first incidents taking place on Wednesday. As the Indian government battles to take control, hostages have been removed from the hotel in Oberoi and from a Jewish community center. Sadly over 22 foreigners have been presumed to be dead within the city. Although there is no ground shaking evidence, the Indian government suspects the likes of Pakistan in this mayhem, although Pakistani chief of intelligence, Shuja Pasha rebukes such claims. There are already strained lines between the two countries, and with such accusations being made, it unsure whether this will give rise to more terror between the two nations.

Just shy of nightfall, 24 guests were confirmed dead in the Oberoi hotel and remaining hostages were released. However, those trapped within the Taj Mahal hotel walls have been less fortunate, with the army operation only reporting to be in their “final stage.” There is at least one terrorist left inside moving interchangeably between two floors of the hotel; two other militants were killed in the night. Militants were well equipped in that they carried bags filled with several hundred rounds of ammunition, money, credit cards from seven of the world’s largest banks, and some form of identification cards. It was also reported that the layout of the hotels and areas were very well researched and known to the militant groups, the militants were well trained, and that the rather young militants showed no remorse whatsoever.

As I mentioned before, Indian, along with US government officials have looked to the likes of a militant Pakistani group based out of Kashmir, Lashkar-e-Taiba as the origin of this violence, however it has not been officially confirmed. F.B.I. officials have been dispatched to Mumbai for further investigation.

This is a heartbreaking story that has unfolded. I think often times we take so much of our freedoms for granted. To lose family members at any point in time is devastating but it is especially hard to lose family when everyone is coming together for the holiday season. The reason for these attacks are unclear, but I feel strongly that there was some type of passion behind their behavior; whether religiously motivated or not, they felt their actions were purposeful. The reality of the situation is cruel and unjust and in this situation, there is little justice for those who have suffered a loss this season.


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/world/asia/29mumbai.html?pagewanted=1&hp