Tech-savvy terrorists and their toys!
Their only weapon is technology and they sure know how to use it!
The new breed of terrorists are in complete sync with the latest gizmos and gadgets. Their weapon is technology and they sure know how to use it!
Flashback 26/11/2008, the terrorists who tormented Mumbai for 72 hours, were trained to handle technology with perfection and ease. Their clothing was simple and like any other commoner. How does one differentiate between a layman and a terrorists who parades in a fake Armani jacket, cargo-pants and trainers?
The au courant terrorists were also in no mood to compromise when it came to health, i.e. a bag full of nutritious dry fruits (almonds).
What's more, to stay ahead of the police and the military the terrorists were equipped with the latest BlackBerry mobile phones with mobile internet connections.
With zero fear the squad entered our territory in small dinghies on Wednesday evening and split into groups. One group headed to the CST station and open fired bullets on innocent passengers till they succumbed to death. Just two terrorists were enough to terrorize the CST station, simply because they were armed with AK-47 and our protectors had sticks!
The CCTV images showed uber confidence no conscience. Indiscriminately shooting, from CST to Cama Hospital was only possible because the terrorists came with a mission to "kill as many as possible". Their arms and ammunitions, did the rest!
Such was their mission and preparation that Mumbai's Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), Hemant Karkare, who was shot dead instantly with two other senior officers. One wishes we were half as prepared as the terrorists.
Next destination, Cafe Leopold, where another group fired three grenades and used automated weapons. Then started a saga at the Taj Hotel, Oberoi/Trident and the Nariman House, which looked like a scene from a war movie.
It's like the terrorists knew exactly where and when to attack. They were familiar with the hotel layouts and everything that went on inside the Taj Hotel was almost unbelievable. A legacy that's stood for 100 yrs was being torn apart by the seconds. The gunmen were totally remorseless and trained to do their job at any cost, after all its not easy for anyone to hold an A-K series!!
This is what the rucksack contained -- Mauritian national's identity card, Chinese-made grenades, 400 spare rounds of ammunition, seven ammunition magazines, seven credit cards (all from different banks), dry rations (almonds/dates) and thousands of dollars in cash.
To keep abreast with every bit of information, orders and news feeds -- mobile phones and internet technology were used. The trained terrorists were so determined that they shot anyone who came in the way! The topography of the Hotel was so clear to the terrorist that they were spraying in absolute darkness too.
While most of the guests hid themselves in their respective rooms, others weren't so lucky. In fact, most of the victims were those who were celebrating anniversaries, dinners and family get-togethers. The battle at Nariman House was as brutal as the above. Though the terrorists were less in number, it turned out to be their strength. The NSG commandos came in (though a little late) and along came relief!
No one knew what was in store for Mumbai on 26/11/2008, except the terrorists. If only, we were half as prepared as them.
Author: Shivalika Sharma | Published Nov 23, 2009 | 12:31 PM
I write for the love of it. I get inspired like that. Simply because, inspiration can come from anywhere and in any form....
Also read
Take-1 Meet the Mumbaikar!Fun facts about New Year
Must-watch Christmas movies
Santa's favourite song
Miss World 2009
Post your comments