Dozens of People Killed in Mumbai Attacks
![[Pigeons fly as the Taj Hotel continues to burn in Mumbai.]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-CS916_mumbai_NS_20081127020211.jpg)
At least 130 people were reported killed in blasts and gun attacks across south-central Mumbai late Wednesday evening, as unidentified terrorists took hostages in two of the area’s most popular hotels for business travelers and tourists.
Police and gunmen were exchanging occasional gunfire at Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels and an unknown number of people were held hostage, said A.N. Roy, a top police official. Officials said at least six militants had been killed since the overnight attacks began around 9:30 p.m. Pradeep Indulkar, a senior official at the Maharashtra state Home Ministry said 101 people were killed and 287 injured.
Thursday morning, police loudspeakers declared a curfew around Mumbai’s landmark Taj Mahal hotel, and black-clad commandos ran into the building as fresh gunshots rang out from the area, apparently the beginning of an assault on gunmen who had taken hostages in the hotel. Ambulances were seen driving up to the entrance to the hotel and journalists were made to move even further back from the area.
A series of explosions had rocked the Taj Mahal just after midnight. Screams were heard and black smoke billowed from the century-old edifice on Mumbai’s waterfront. Firefighters sprayed water at the blaze and plucked people from balconies with extension ladders. By dawn, the fire was still burning.
The attackers specifically targeted Britons and Americans at the hotels and restaurant, witnesses said.
An Indian media report said a previously unknown group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen had claimed responsibility for the attacks in emails to several media outlets. There was no way to verify that claim.
The NDTV news channel showed several yellow and black rubber dinghies on a beach near the hotels, apparently used by the terrorists to reach the area.
Authorities had earlier believed seven to 15 foreigners were hostages at the Taj Mahal, said Anees Ahmed, a top state official. It was also unclear where the hostages were in the hotel, which is divided into an older wing, which was in flames, and a modern tower that was not on fire.
Champions League suspended due to Mumbai blasts
At least 130 people have been killed after terrorists seized hotels and set off bombs in India’s financial centre.
The Twenty20 tournament was scheduled to be held in Mumbai, as well as Bangalore and Chennai from December 3 to 10.
“The decision was taken today by the Governing Council of the Champions League 2020 after consultations among the three founding board members of the tournament - Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket South Africa (CSA),” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Western Australia and Victoria had already cancelled their travel plans to India following the blasts. Those two teams were to be the Australian representatives in the tournament.
A number of other Australians including Shane Warne, Shane Watson and Matthew Hayden were also planning to play in Indian Premier League (IPL) teams.
Lalit Modi, Chairman of the Champions League Twenty20, said in the statement: “It was agreed that in the best interests of all concerned, the inaugural edition of the Champions League 2020 should be postponed.
“We very strongly condemn this dastardly and heinous criminal act of a few which has resulted in the loss of precious lives and injury to hundreds.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and we are with them in their hour of grief.”
Earlier Pakistan cricket authorities said they were willing to send their top Twenty20 team to India to participate in the Champions League, despite the wave of terrorism attacks.
Pakistan was to be represented in the tournament by the Sialkot Stallions, led by national captain Shoaib Malik.
“We have asked the Indian board to keep us up to date with the situation and the status of the Champions League, but we have told them we are willing to send the Sialkot team,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Saleem Altaf said.
“What has happened is a great tragedy but we strongly believe you can’t stop sporting activities because of these terrorist strikes.”
- ABC/Reuters
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