For 26/11 victims like thirty-one-year-old Sourav Mishra, who was shot in his wrist that fateful evening, today’s blasts have brought the sense of
insecurity he once felt.

Mishra told IANS “While returning by the local train I thought of rushing to the blast sites and helping the victims, but I could not muster the courage of witnessing gory sights. I am feeling helpless. I am upset as the memories of 26/11  which had started to fade away have come back to haunt me all over again. It is ironical that common people abide by the law and these terrorists break them every time,” said Mishra.

As Mumbai was once again shaken by a coordinated attack with three serial blasts going off in a short span of time, the first explosion went off in the busy Zaveri Bazaar at 6:54pm, Opera House was the next target at 6:55pm, and Dadar the last at 7:05pm. The Union Home Ministry in New Delhi has confirmed that the blasts were caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s). The confirmed terrorist attacks were also programmed to explode during evening rush hour in busy localities.

While the Mumbai Police sources say the Indian Mujahideen is suspected to be behind the attack, the Home minister Mr. Chidambaram who is on his way to Mumbai has stated it is too soon to name a terrorist outfit and his ministry would make a statement every two hours or sooner.

Though two members of the IM were arrested in Maharashtra yesterday by the Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad, there was no intelligence alert or input that warned of today’s terror attacks.

All the blasts took place during the office rush hour and in crowded places, with Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Mr Chavan stating the blast at Opera House was of the highest intensity; where the blast took place at Prasad Chamber building.

In Zaveri Bazaar the blast took place in an umbrella kept at a crowded Kahu Gali, a street of eateries, while in Dadar West the explosion took place in a meter box on an electric pole near a bus stop.

While around 113 injured persons have been rushed to JJ Hospital, GT Hospital, KEM Hospital* and St. George’s hospital, the official death toll which is at 17 is likely to rise with many wounded battling for their lives. The blast areas have been cordoned off and a team of forensic experts and the Mumbai Police are investigating the blast sites. Not only has Mumbai been put on high alert post these attacks and security alerts have been issued to all major cities including Delhi with security heightened in market areas such as Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli and Sarojini Nagar.

Other areas also put on High alert include Kolkata, Hyderabad, Tirupati, and coastal city of Visakhapatnam, with security being intensified around multi-plexes, malls, hotels, restaurants, shops and bus stands. Police also stepped up security in Cyberabad, which houses many global IT giants, business schools & institutes of excellence.

As unconfirmed reports of an unexploded bomb being found in Dadar surfaced
and a bomb hoax in Santacruz were doing rounds, the police have appealed for
calm, having fanned out all over the city, preparing for the worst.

While no more bombs went off, they had a tough time controlling the crowds at the three places. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan has also urged citizens of Mumbai to remain calm and not spread rumors, he also requested Mumbaikars to stay indoors this evening as there is immense chaos on the streets owing to the bomb blasts.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) Team has rushed to Mumbai from Delhi to investigate. A National Security Guards (NSG) team and forensic experts have also been airlifted on a BSF plane and are bound for Mumbai while the army is on standby.

The attacks have been condemned by leaders worldwide, with US President Barack Obama strongly stating America will offer support to India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.

In a statement issued from the White House, president Obama said “I strongly condemn the outrageous attacks in Mumbai, and my thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and those who have lost loved ones.”

He added, “The US government continues to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of our citizens. India is a close friend and partner of the United States. The American people will stand with the Indian people in times of trial, and we will offer support to India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice.”

“During my trip to Mumbai, I saw firsthand the strength and resilience of the Indian people, and I have no doubt that the India will overcome these deplorable terrorist attacks,” he added.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have condemned the bomb blasts in Mumbai. A Foreign Office statement said “President Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani, the government and the people of Pakistan have condemned the blasts in Mumbai and expressed distress on the loss of lives and injuries.”

It also added that “The president and the prime minister have expressed their deepest sympathies to the Indian leadership.”

On Twitter too, many Indians poured out their anger over the repeated assaults on Mumbai.

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