- Tanveer Jafri
Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, has not yet forgotten the devastating serial blasts on July 2006 which killed 185 people and injured many more. The terrorist shook this cosmopolitan city of historical and cultural importance once again on November 26, 2008.
The terror attacks in Mumbai were most dangerous, well-plotted and multipurpose. The motive behind this gruesome conspiracy was not only to make loss of lives and property; its main motive was to send a message to the world that no place in the world, even places considered the safest, is beyond the reach of these terrorists. It also made clear that the tourists, wherever they may live, can not escape from the savagery of terrorism. It also aims at weakening India's economy by putting the adverse effect on tourism.
Apart from these, the aim of the attackers, the enemy of humanity, was to do their best to destroy the Indian cultural heritage, to challenge India's pride. The terrorists started their horror in Mumbai at about quarter to ten at night by attacking Café Leopold. Started in 1871, this very popular café in Old Mumbai, is a favorite joint for foreigners and tourists. After this, the terrorists reached Bombay VT, now known as Chhaterpati Shivaji Terminal—the most famous and the busiest railway station in the world. They unleashed continuous random firing at people there and threw hand grenades.
Built in 1878, this railway station is famous for its architectural value. This world famous, busiest railway terminal was declared an international heritage site by the UNESCO in 2004. With the same dark motive, the terrorists hit the five-star hotel Taj Palace, which is 105 years old and situated on the beach of Arabian Sea in Mumbai. Taj Hotel is situated near gateway of India. The sea view is clearly visible from here. Similarly, the terrorists struck the popular Hotel Oberoi (now Trident), another 5-star hotel. Besides these, they hit the ancient building of Kama and Ale Bales, and Nariman House. Kama Hospital was got built by a rich trader in 1880; the Nariman House is a main Jewish centre, where Jewish visitors from abroad stay. There is also a big library and prayer house for the Jews in this building.
More...
