Reactions to the 2008 Mumbai attacks

The reactions to the 2008 Mumbai attacks included local, national and international reactions.

Political reactions in Mumbai and India included a range of resignations and political changes. Reactions included condemnation of the attacks by Indian Muslim organisations and personalities and insurgent movements.

International reaction for the attacks was widespread, with many countries and international organisations condemning the attacks and expressing their condolences to the civilian victims.

Media coverage highlighted the use of new media and Internet social networking tools, including Twitter and Flickr, in spreading information about the attacks, observing that Internet coverage was often ahead of more traditional media sources.

India

In a televised address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India would “go after” individuals and organisations behind the terrorist attacks, which were “well-planned with external linkages.”^[1] In addition, he said, the attacks were "intended to create a sense of panic by choosing high-profile targets and indiscriminately killing innocent foreigners," Singh said in a televised address to the nation.^[2] Leader of the opposition L K Advani has asked the people of India to stay united during this time of emergency.^[3]He also said that "We will take the strongest possible measures to ensure that there is no repetition of such terrorist acts".^[4]

Criticism of politicians and resignations

Indians criticised their political leaders after the attacks, saying their bickering and ineptness was at least partly responsible. The Times of India commented on its front page that “Our politicians fiddle as innocents die".^[5] The anger against the political class in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack boiled over with slain NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's father literally showing away Kerala chief minister V S Achuthanandan".^[6] Public furore was further exacerbated with Mr. Achutanandan's statement in a television interview that "If it had not been Sandeep's house, not even a dog would have gone there".^[7] This statement was highlighted by the television channel video interview^[8] After this became a major controversy, The chief minister later issued an written apology stating that his remarks were misunderstood.

On 30 November the Minister for Home Affairs Shivraj Patil resigned, taking moral responsibility for the security lapse. After his resignation, P. Chidambaram was made the Union Minister for Home Affairs.^[9][10] while Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh took over the Finance Ministry from the latter. India's National Security Advisor – M K Narayanan also offered to resign on the same day, but Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh did not accept his resignation.^[11]

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, also resigned on 1 December 2008,^[12] and was replaced a few days later by Ashok Chavan. On 1 December the Deputy CM of Maharastra R. R. Patil resigned, when National Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar asked him to tender his resignation,^[13] and was replaced by Chhagan Bhujbal. Patil was under tremendous pressure to resign after commenting that the Mumbai terror strikes were "minor incidents."

Criticism of the rescue operation

The NSG commandos based in Mehram Nagar, Palam Airport, Delhi took 10 hours to reach the terrorists.^[14][15] They were ready at 01:00 but had to wait for 3 hours, until 03:15 for an aircraft to arrive from Chandigarh, when the policy is that a plane be at Palam permanently. The NSG commandos landed at Mumbai Airport at 05:15, but had to wait one hour for the Bombay Police to arrange a few BEST bus for them. They reached the Taj Mahal hotel and the Oberoi Trident hotel at 07:00, but initially were not given detailed maps of the hotels.^[14] Furthermore, the operations in the Taj Mahal hotel and Nariman House were conducted under full glare of the media, which may have assisted the terrorists by taking away the element of surprise.^[16]

Indian Muslims

An Indian Muslim organisation, the Indian Muslim Council, had refused to bury the nine attackers in the Marine Lines Bada Qabrastan (cemetery). They also sent messages to other Muslim organisations in India to refrain from burying them. The council said it was trying to send a message to all cemeteries in India that none of the bodies should be buried on Indian soil.^{[17][18][19] [20]}

Javed Anand, a writer and activist said, "They (terrorists) claim to be doing this in the name of Islam. We have to tell them, 'Not in our name,'"^[21] They also conducted several prayers for peace and harmony.^[22]

Demand for self-defense

The war on Mumbai has left the corporate sector of India angry; vulnerable sectors want to be armed. A meeting convened by the Karnataka government with industry heads led to strong demands from industry wanting to be allowed to purchase the best automatic weapons for their private security firms and a right to bear arms.^[23]

Tribute to victims

Naxalites, who are raging a bitter insurgency in parts of India, gave a gun salute to the victims of Mumbai attack. According to the Times of India, this gesture marked a significant shift in their policy.^[24]

International

The Mumbai attacks have elicited a strong response from leaders around the world, largely expressing condemnation for the acts of terrorism and condolences for the relatives of those killed.^[2][25][26] The Indian government reportedly refused an offer of assistance from Israeli intelligence to investigate the attacks.^[27]

Organisations

• – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson's statement: "The Secretary-General condemns the rash of shootings and blasts in Mumbai today, which killed and wounded a large number of people. Such violence is totally unacceptable. The Secretary-General reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians. He calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly. The Secretary-General sends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the wounded and expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of India.."^[2][28] The 15 members of the United Nation Security Council issued a statement saying, "The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of India, underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation."^[29]

•  EU and  France – Nicolas Sarkozy, in his role of both President of France and President of the European Council, said: "I strongly condemn the indiscriminate violence that hit your country through this series of ugly and odious terrorist acts. In this sad moment, I wish to give my sincerest condolences to the families of the innocent victims of these reprehensible attacks and express my sympathy and my wish to the injured for rapid recovery."^[2][30] The High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist attacks throughout the city of Mumbai. I convey my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and my sympathy to the Indian authorities. To those who were injured, I wish a speedy recovery. These acts show once again the need for the international community to stand united against terrorism and fight it with determination."^[2]

• – Organisation of the Islamic Conference – A spokesman of the OIC condemned expressed regret over the deaths of innocent people due to the attacks, the spokesperson conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Indian Government and the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the wounded.The spokesperson stressed that such violent acts run counter to human values and that they can not be justified.^[31]

•  NATO – Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the mindless and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Attacking innocent people, tourists and patients in hospitals is despicable and cowardly. On behalf of the Alliance, I am relaying the sincerest words of solidarity and sympathy to the Indian authorities, to Indian people and especially families of the victims. NATO, as part of the international community, is determined to spare no effort to fight the scourge of terrorism which should have no place in the 21st century."^[2]

Religious communities or organisations

• Anglican Communion – The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams wrote to the High Commissioner of India, Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, the next day expressing his shock and outrage and offering, on behalf of the whole Anglican Communion, prayers for those who have lost loved ones, for the injured and for all those caring for them or dealing with the contemperaneously ongoing siege. "People everywhere stand in solidarity with the innocent and in condemnation of those who would destroy innocent lives out of evil and misguided motives."^[32]

Countries

Support

•  Australia – Australia had sent a team of Federal Police to Mumbai. A group of seven officers have arrived to study the terror attack and the modus operandi.^[33]
•  Israel – Israel had offered a forty-strong team of special operation forces and assistance in investigations.^[34] Livni said: "If they need us we will help where needed."^[35] Magen David Adom also dispatched a team of paramedics, medics and other professionals to assist with rescue efforts in the wake of the attacks.^[36][36] Israeli newspapers reported that India had turned down an offer by Defense Minister Ehud Barak to send counter-terrorist units to help fight the attackers.[4]
•  Malaysia – Malaysian authorities had investigated reports related to Malaysian-issued credit cards found on the perpetrators. Malaysia will also coordinate with Interpol over reports that some of the Mumbai attackers passed themselves off as Malaysian citizens.^[37]
•  United Kingdom – United Kingdom had sent 15 forensic experts from the intelligence services to Mumbai to help with the investigations on the attacks on India’s financial capital. A Scotland Yard team is also investigating the terror attack.
•  US – President of the United States George W. Bush told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that American agencies will "throw their weight" behind India's investigation into the Mumbai terror attacks and demonstrate a "shared commitment" to combat terrorism.^[38] The United States sent a team of agents from its own Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assist in the probe into the Mumbai attacks and American President George W. Bush pledged "full support" to India in its efforts to unearth the plot behind the deadly terror strikes. While a group of FBI agents were en route to India, a second group of investigators was on alert to join the first team if necessary.^[39] "The FBI continues to monitor the situation in Mumbai and the Counterterrorism Division is reviewing all of the information and intelligence available," bureau spokesman Richard Kolko told The Washington Post.^[39]
  • President-elect Barack Obama said that sovereign states have the right to protect themselves, when asked if India could follow the same policy he advocated during his election campaign—of bombing rebel camps in Pakistan if there was actionable evidence and Islamabad refused to act on it.^[40]

General

•  Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai said: "The government and people of Afghanistan stand by India in the aftermath of this horrific and inhuman act of terror. Nothing is more heinous and deplorable than taking the lives of innocent people in such a cowardly attack on public places. ... Terrorism is a threat to us all, affecting India, Afghanistan and the region. Responding to this threat requires nothing less than a joint strategy to defeat this menace."^[2]
•  Albania – In a statement published the 26 November, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania condems vehemently the unprecedented terrorist act perpetrated today in Mumbai, India, claiming hundreds of innocent human lives and hundreds of others injured. It extends its full solidarity to the Indian authorities and the deepest condolences to the families of the victims caused by this barbarous act."^[41]
•  Argentina – Argentina expressed its strong condemnation and its "total solidarity with the people and government" from India. The Argentine Foreign Ministry said in a communique that "the Argentine authority requested the Indian government to transmit its sorrow to the relatives of the victims."^[42]
•  Armenia – Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan expressed condolences on the occasion of the attacks that occurred in Mumbai to Speaker of Rajya Sabha and Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Speaker of Lok Sabha Somnath Chatterjee by saying: "We learnt with grief about the tragedy in Mumbai, and about hundreds of killed and injured innocent people. I express my deepest condolences on behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and personally on my behalf to you, members of the Parliament, families of those killed and wish speedy recovery to the injured. We always condemned and condemn the terrorism. We are sure that the organisers and executors of this unprecedented crime will get their condign punishment."^[43]
•  Australia – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that Australia "unreservedly condemned these atrocious attacks"^[44] and added: "We are deeply concerned by these developments, deeply concerned by the potential impact on Indian citizens and other citizens, and we will have further to say about this during the course of the day."^[2]
•  Bangladesh – Foreign Minister Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said in a statement: "We strongly condemned what's happened in Mumbai. These are acts of terrorism, and terrorism serves no purpose. Many innocent people have suffered, many have been killed, others injured and we send them our condolences."^[45]
•  Bosnia and Herzegovina – Chairmen of the Presidency Nebojša Radmanović sent a letter of condolences to the Indian President Pratibha Patil saying "Brutal and gratuitous terrorist attack in Mumbai represents an attack on all the values of modern world: human lives, peace, freedom. It is responsibility of all of us who share those values to strengthen our forces against that evil. Such a terrible attack on civilians deserves harsh condemnation on the part of civilised world and there is no excuse for these crimes. I would kindly ask you to inform your citizens in this hard moment that peoples and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina sympathise with them."^[46]
•  Brazil – The Brazilian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday in a communique that "the Brazilian government received with deep sorrow the news on 26 Nov., of terrorist attacks in Mumbai, where tens of people died." "Brazil transmits its condolences to the relatives of the victims and the Indian government," the communique added.^[42]
•  Bulgaria – In a public telegram of 27 November Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivaylo Kalfin presented his deepest condolences to his Indian colleague and said "We categorically condemn those barbaric acts of terrorism that cannot be justified by any sort of political, ethnic or religious reasons, and we express our support for stronger co-operation of the international community in the struggle against terrorism."^[47]
•  Canada – Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon stated "Canada strongly condemns the savage terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have left hundreds of innocent civilians injured or killed...these cowardly attacks are truly appalling." People in east-end Toronto's Little India neighbourhood expressed shock and disgust at the news.^[48] Lawrence Canon confirmed that two Canadians had been killed in the attack on the Taj Mahal Hotel, and offered his sympathies for the families.^[49][50]
•  Chile – The Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "The Government of Chile vows for the prompt identification, capture and taken up to justice of all perpetrators, and calls to stretch international cooperation with the Indian government, with this purpose. The use of innocent people as human shields, hostages or victims of the attacks in Mumbai, have no justification at all, because those actions attempt against human security and constitute crimes against humanity".^[51]
•  People's Republic of China – Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said at a press briefing that, the Chinese people offered their deepest condolences to those who died.^[44] Premier Wen Jiabao said the Chinese government "strongly condemned" the attacks and that China is "firmly opposed to terrorism of any form." The Xinhua news agency reported, "On behalf of the Chinese government and himself, Wen expressed deep grief for the victims of the attacks and conveyed sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and those wounded in the violence."^[2]
•  Colombia – On a press release, the Colombian government "regrets and condemns" the attacks. Since Colombia "has also suffered the effects of terrorism," joins India in its struggle against this "international scourge." It also states its support to the Indian government and its solidarity with the victims and their families.^[52]
•  Cyprus – The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus expressed in a statement "the sympathy and the deepest and sincere condolences on behalf of the government and the Cypriot people to the government of India, the Indian people and the families of the victims." "At these difficult times for India," added the statement, "the Republic of Cyprus expresses its solidarity and support to the struggle of the government of India to eliminate international terrorism and notes the need for a more active engagement of the international community in the campaign against terrorism."^[53]
•  Czech Republic – The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that "vigorously condemns the series of attacks done the 26 November in Mumbai, and expresses condolences to the families of the victims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that the perpeatrors of this bloody and unfair act, will be captured and judged accoding to Law. Simultaneously expresses its support to India in the fight against terrorism".^[54]
•  Denmark – At a press conference in Belgrade, Serbia, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated that "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the cowardly and despicable terrorist act, that has killed many people, injured several others and taken other people as hostage". He also said that the Danish government's thoughts goes to the victims and relatives, as well as those still being held as hostages.
  Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller also commented the attacks, saying that the attacks were aimed against Westerners, using a well-known strategy used in other terrorist attacks.^[55]
•  Estonia – The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that "The deaths of innocent people as a result of shootings and bombings once again demonstrate the inhumanity of terrorism,” said Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. There is absolutely no justification for terrorism, he emphasised. Estonia harshly condemns all types of terrorism and participates along with other nations in the unified fight against terrorism".^[56]
•  Ethiopia – President Girma Woldegiorgis and Senior Ethiopian government officials sent messages of condolence to their Indian counterparts over the recent tragedy in Mumbai, India due to terrorist attacks. The President, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Seyoum Mesfin expressed heartfelt sorrow on Thursday over the death of innocent civilians following the barbaric acts of terrorists. Girma expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolence through Indian President, Pratibha Patil to the victims and their families and reiterated his firm belief the Indian government and its people would overcome the tragic situation. Prime Minister Meles reiterated to Dr. Manmohan Singh that “We (the world) is witnessing how serious is the danger we all are facing from those who care little for the innocent and who are prepared to resort to the worst form of barbarity to promote their objective. We condemn these barbaric acts and extend sympathy to the people of India,” the message quoted Meles as saying. Similarly, Seyoum Mesfin expressed deep sorrow over the death of innocent civilians and damage of property. He also expressed, through his Indian counterpart, sympathy to Indian people and the bereaved families.^[57]
•  Finland – The Ministry for Foreign Affairs published on its web site: "The government of India deserves our clear support in the prevention of terrorism and calming down the situation," Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb states. "The strike in Mumbai showed, once again, that terrorism knows no frontiers. International cooperation against terrorism is even more important today".^[58]
•  France – President Nicholas Sarkozy condemned the attacks, offered condolences to the families of the dead, and expressed smypathy for the injured, stating that he wished them a rapid recovery.
•  Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote to India: "I was appalled to hear the shocking news about the terror attacks on your country. As well as the sad fate of the many dead I'm particularly moved by the terrible situation of those who've been taken hostage. The Federal Republic strongly condemns these criminal acts. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and the people of your country. In this difficult hour our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I wish the injured from the bottom of my heart a quick recovery."^[2]
•  Greece – Hellenic Foreign Affairs Minister Dora Bakoyanni stated “We express our outrage at the terrorist attacks in India and condemn any act of violence against citizens and democracy”^[59]
• Hong Kong – A spokesman for the Security Bureau advised on 27 November that Hong Kong residents to avoid unnecessary travel to India, and those who were already in India should attend to their personal safety and keep themselves abreast of the situation there.^[60] On the same day, the Secretary for Security, Ambrose Lee, while visiting Tokyo, Japan, said the Mumbai terrorist attacks clearly show the importance of close co-operation among law enforcement agencies around the world in the fight against international terrorism.^[61][62]
•  Indonesia – "The government of Indonesia strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The terrorist attacks are cruel and inhumane acts," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "The government of Indonesia conveys its deepest condolences to the government of India and the victims along with their families, and hopes that the perpetrators could be swiftly arrested and be brought to justice."^[63]
•  Iran – Iran condemned the attacks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hassan Qashqavi said "Iran is also a victim of terrorist attacks and is ready to fight against such evil acts on all levels."^[64] He also expressed the sympathy of the Iranian people and government toward the Indian nation and the families of the victims.^[65] President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad condemned terrorist attacks saying that they aim at destabilising the region, and added, "I am sure that the sinister phenomenon [terrorism] can not hinder the development of the nations of the region". He also sympathised with those Indian families who lost their loved ones in the attacks.^[66]
•  Ireland – Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ireland Micheál Martin stated '"I wish to condemn in the strongest terms these appalling terrorist attacks in Mumbai and to convey my deepest sympathy to the Indian people', adding that 'Relations between India and Ireland have always been close and I wanted to assure him (Ambassador P.S Raghavan) of our sympathy and prayers. As we in Ireland know all too well terrorist atrocities such as these serve no purpose except to kill and injure innocent victims, Indian and foreign alike, and to sow panic and suspicion'."^[67]

•  Italy – President Giorgio Napolitano was said to be following the events with concern for the Italian people involved.^[68] Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini condemned the attacks and defined them as "atrocius and unjustifiable".^[69]
•  Israel – Israeli interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert praised the Indian government and military, stating that "At no stage were the issues of whether or not Israel should join the operation, or do things that were within the power of the Indian government and its strong and trained military to do alone, on the agenda. I am very pleased at the cooperation and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Indian government for seeing fit to update us throughout the events."^[70] Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said: "I condemn the terror attack that is still ongoing in Mumbai it is another painful testimony that terrorism is the main challenge that Israel and the International community are dealing with."^[71][2] She added that: "Israel, India and the rest of the free world are positioned in the forefront of the battle against terrorism and extremists. Unfortunately, we were harshly reminded of this once again yesterday. The struggle against terror must be a communal struggle, and compels us to improve our cooperation on this front."^[36]
•  Japan – Prime Minister Taro Aso said: "This kind of terrorism is unforgivable, extremely despicable and vicious. I feel strong resentment and deeply condemn it. Japan is with the Indian people who are fighting against terrorism and we will cooperate with the Indian government."^[72]
•  Kuwait – The government "strongly condemned" the attacks.^[2]
•  Latvia – Minister for Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins has expressed his deepest sympathy to the people of India regarding the attacks by gunmen which took place in the Indian city of Mumbai on 26 November, in which more than 100 people were killed and more than 300 were injured. Minister Riekstins has sent a letter to the Minister of External Affairs of India, Pranab Mukherjee, strongly condemning the attacks of terrorism on the civilian population and conveying condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks.^[73]
•  Mauritius – Minister Boolell said that the whole world is horrified with these acts of terrorism. He reiterated his support and solidarity with India, and spoke of his condemnation of such acts that target innocent people. "The Government of Mauritius condemns forcefully the cowardly terrorist attacks that occurred in Mumbai last night", Arvin Boolell said.^[74]
•  Malaysia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying "The Government of Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms, the horrific terrorist attacks on a number of major public places at the heart of Mumbai. It is our hope that the perpetrators of these heinous and despicable crimes would be expeditiously brought to justice."^[75]
•  Mexico – The Mexican government also deeply regretted on Thursday the loss of lives in Mumbai in a communique and condemned the attacks against foreigners at civil facilities like luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and a train station.^[42]
•  Norway – Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg stated "The Norwegian government condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks that has taken place in Mumbai, India, and our thoughts goes to all those affected and their relatives. We denounce this type of terrorist attacks. We have already sent a message from the Norwegian government, and I have as well sent a personal message to Prime Minister Singh with a personal message, in which we express our condolences and sympathies with the Indian people. We express our support to the work the Indian government now does to help the injured, what has happened and apprehend those responsible for the terrorist attack".^[76]
•  Pakistan – Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the attacks, saying, "Our grievances are with the families and friends of those killed and injured while carrying out the attack. Pakistan and India will continue their joint struggles to counter the actions of terrorists."^[77][78] In addition, a statement on behalf of Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi condemned the attacks, saying: "Terrorism is a menace threatening humanity and humanity should join hands in fighting this scourge. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan itself has suffered because of terrorism and sacrificed much in fighting this threat. The foreign minister also expressed deep condolences with the bereaved families."^[2]
•  Panama – Panama expressed its condemnation and said that "the violent and furious actions that have produced so much mourning and pain in that country (India), have touched the global public opinion and have aroused the highest solidarity expression."^[42]
•  Philippines- The Philippine government, through Deputy Spokesperson Anthony Golez, condemned the attacks in Mumbai. In a press statement, he said: “We condemn these terroristic attacks against mankind and we will be united with the entire Indian nation and the rest of the world in its quest to end terrorism the soonest possible time."^[79] No Filipino nationals had been attacked in Mumbai, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.^[80]
•  Poland – The president condemned the "acts of barbarity" and expressed "solidarity with the victims." "The Mumbai terrorist attacks show that the fight with terrorism is necessary," Polish news agency PAP quoted president Kaczynski as saying later in the day. "These act of terrorism shows that the problem exists, that it is not easy to be solved and that the fight with it is justified, even if some mistakes have been made," the president said."We both are indignant at the terrorist attack in India. We are condemning what has happened there in the strongest possible words," Sikorski told a press conference.^[81]
•  Russia – President Dmitry Medvedev said "We are concerned about the loss of life and consider that acts of terrorism of this type are harmful to the whole international order and are a challenge to humanity.",^[82] and also said: "The monstrous crimes of terrorists in Mumbai arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation. The inhuman terrorist attacks on hospitals, hotels and other public places aimed at killing peaceful civilians, taking and murdering hostages are crimes directed against the very basis of civilised society. Those guilty of them should be severely punished. We support resolute actions of the Indian government to cut short terrorist actions. I would like to pass my deepest condolences to relatives and friends of those killed and wish the swiftest possible recovery to those injured."^[2]
•  Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Press Agency quotes an official source in the Kingdom saying "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns and denounces this criminal act, and offers condolences and sympathy to the friendly government and people of India."^[83]
•  Singapore – In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore said that "Singapore strongly condemns the attacks. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the Government of India and its people. The Mumbai attacks underscore the common terrorist threat that we continue to face today. Singapore stands firmly behind the Indian Government in its fight against terrorism."^[2][84] Later, in a letter to India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: I was shocked to learn of the series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 26 November 2008. On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I convey our deepest condolences to you, the Government of India and the families of the victims. The terrorists have taken several people of different nationalities as hostages, including a Singaporean. We are already working closely with the Indian authorities on this. Singapore stands ready to assist the Indian authorities in any way to secure the safe release of the Singaporean and other hostages. I am confident that the Indian people will rally around your government as it deals with the Mumbai terrorist attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Mumbai attacks are another reminder that terrorism continues to be a common threat to all of us. We strongly support your government's efforts in fighting the scourge of terrorism.^[85]
•  Sweden – Foreign Minister Carl Bildt condemned the attacks in a press release, saying that "There is every reason to strongly condemn the large-scale terrorist attacks in Mumbai in India. India is the world's most populous democracy with an impressive history of rich coexistence between different cultures and traditions. Its democratic stability is in interest of the whole world. We express our sympathies for all those affected, and give our strong support to the Government of India in its important fight against this terrorism."^[86]
•  Spain – "The Spanish people and government strongly condemn the barbarian attacks perpetrated against innocent lives in Mumbai and express their sympathy, solidarity and affection to the Indian people with whom they will stand side by side" said the Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in a cable sent to the Indian President Manmohan Singh. Spain equally offered its cooperation in intelligence affairs and expressed deep thanks to the Indian Police Corps for safeguarding the lives of a Spanish delegation headed by the Madrid Region President Esperanza Aguirre who barely escaped from the Oberoi Hotel at the time the attacks began.
•  South Africa – "The South African government extends its condolences to the government and people of India following a spate of attacks on a number of hotels, hospital and a restaurant in Mumbai on Wednesday, 26 November, which left a number of people dead and wounded while others have been taken hostage."^[2]
•  Korea – "The South Korean government denounces terrorism as a crime against civilisation and against mankind that can be never tolerated," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young.^[87]
•  Sri Lanka – President Mahinda Rajapaksa said: "My government and I hasten to condemn most vehemently the brutal acts of terrorism that killed more than 100 persons and injured many more in the attacks carried out in the Indian city of Mumbai last night. Our thoughts to go out to the families of those killed and injured and in these acts of terror; we express our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured and the safe and early release of hostages. The attacks on leading hotels, hospitals and public transport in Mumbai, the business and financial capital of India, show that the terrorists are targeting an important sector of the Indian economy, with a view (to) destabilising democracy in India."^[2]
•  East Timor – Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Mumbai and called the world to fight terrorism together. “This cowardly attack on innocent civilians deliberately targeting American and British citizens, must be condemned by all, and must rally all countries to pursue the fight against terrorism even more relentlessly,” said Ramos-Horta in a statement. Ramos-Horta has also underlined the significance of the attack in light of the recent landslide victory of Obama in the US election and said that "terrorists are not interested in seeking dialogue and peaceful means to resolve whatever differences they might have with the West." “It is self evident that whoever is in the White House in the United States, terrorism will not stop,” he said.^[88]
•  Tunisia – Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali on Friday condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai which stormed five-star hotels and a Jewish center, the official TAP news agency reported.^[89]
•  Turkey – "Turkey stands together with the Republic of India and the Indian nation against the trouble of terrorism which is the enemy of all mankind and it shares their sorrow and anger," the ministry's statement said. "Terrorism is a crime against humanity. An effective fight against terrorism is possible only by the help of international cooperation and solidarity," Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "The attacks in Mumbai once again showed that terror has no religion, nationality and country," President Abdullah Gul added, "Turkey, as a country that wishes to strengthen relations with India in the fight against terror, share the pain of the friendly Indian people."^[90]
•  United Kingdom – Queen Elizabeth II said in a statement "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the attacks that occurred in Mumbai. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died and with those who have been injured".^[91] In a press release from the British Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the attacks, saying "I think I speak for the whole world – shock and outrage at the tragic destruction of innocent lives. I have already sent my sympathy and support to Prime Minister Singh of India and to say we will do everything we can to help the Indian government. Our first duty is towards British citizens caught up in this terror in Mumbai. The High Commissioner has come from Delhi to visit all those who are injured – he's visiting them now. It is too early to say any numbers for the numbers of people who are injured – we will give that during the course of the day – what I can assure you is we are doing everything within our power. We've set up a crisis centre in the foreign office where British citizens can phone in, just visit it and talk to them – they've had 800 calls already. And at the same time, we're in touch with many people who are caught up in the hotels and giving advice on what they can do. Our second responsibility is obviously to root out terrorism – to help the Indian government with their action – and that's why at the same time as giving support to the Indian prime minister, we're sending police emergency teams that are well versed in Indian terrorism and we will try to give what support we can through British police and security officials to the Indian government at this time."^[92] Foreign Secretary David Miliband also condemned the attacks, stating them as 'an attack on all of us, not just India.'^[2][93]
•  USA – President George W. Bush said "We pledge the full support of the United States as India investigates these attacks, brings the guilty to justice and sustains its democratic way of life. The killers who struck this week are brutal and violent, but terror will not have the final word. As the people of the world's largest democracy recover from these attacks, they can count on the world's oldest democracy to stand by their side".^[94] The U.S. State Department condemned the attacks, stating that there so far have been no reports of American casualties.^[95] Its spokesman Robert Wood said: "We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Mumbai, India. Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai. We are monitoring the situation very closely and stand ready to support the Indian authorities as they deal with this horrific series of attacks."^[2] White House spokesman Tony Fratto also condemned the attacks.^[96] On 8 December 2008, Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated in a speech to the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs that the attacks "crossed a new threshold" and that "Their level of tactical sophistication with GPS and BlackBerries and satellite phones matches sonly the indiscriminate nature of death and destruction they caused – and yet they intended far worse. We are working to prevent 26 Nov. from becoming a tipping point toward chaos in the region by confronting once again a common enemy." He also said that the images of Moshe Holtzberg soon after his parents were "mercilessly struck down in Chabad house should not ever leave us."^[97] President-elect Barack Obama said "These terrorists who targeted innocent civilians will not defeat India's great democracy, nor shake the will of a global coalition to defeat them. The United States must stand with India and all nations and people who are committed to destroying terrorist networks, and defeating their hate-filled ideology."^[98]
•  Uruguay – The Uruguayan government strongly condemned the attacks in Mumbai and expressed its solidarity with the victims and their relatives in a communique published on Thursday.^[42]
•  Holy See – On 27 November, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said that the "frightening and dramatic" attacks regarded "the entire international community".^[99] Later on the same day, Pope Benedict XVI condemned the "brutal attacks" in Mumbai.^[100] He also asked the Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Gracias to "kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these brutal attacks, and to assure the public authorities, citizens and all those affected of his spiritual closeness. His Holiness urgently appeals for an end to all acts of terrorism, which gravely offend the human family and severely destabilise the peace and solidarity needed to build a civilisation worthy of mankind's noble vocation to love God and neighbour."^[2]
•  Venezuela – The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry manifested in a communique its solidarity with the Indian government to tide over the situation and "offers its condolences to the relatives of the victims."^[42]
•  Viet Nam – On 27 November, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lê Dũng said: "We are furious over an attack of terrorism causing great casualty occurred in Mumbai, India last night. We oppose and condemn all terrorist activities under any form or any engine. The offence leader in the terrorist attacks should soon be finding and must be punished properly." He stated: "We sincerely share of this great loss of India. We believe that these terrorist actions which are threatening the stability of the whole time, and is also a major challenge for humanity."^[101]

Travel

Many international airlines temporarily discontinued operations to Mumbai fearing passenger safety.^[102] Delta Air Lines safeguarded employees stuck in Mumbai and cancelling all planned flights to Mumbai, except one plane to pick up the employees.^[103]

Several Western countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, France and Canada, advised their citizens to defer travel to Mumbai in the short term (48–72 hours).^[104][105]

Media coverage

The attacks showcased increased usage of social media and citizen journalism in the way events were reported.^[106] Many people discussed the unfolding event on websites like Twitter and Flickr, which were largely clustered under search tags such as "mumbai" and "attack.". The day after the attacks, the Indian government, however, asked Mumbai citizens to cease updating Twitter with live coverage of police activity.^[107] The New York Times and BBC offered live textual coverage online, as did many Indian bloggers.^[107][108] A map of the attacks was also set up using Google Maps.^[109] The attacks have been dubbed by some journalists and even Hillary Clinton as "India's 9/11," a reference to the September 11 attacks on the United States.^[110][111]

A few days after the attacks, the Indian news channel CNN-IBN re-aired a programme called Operation Water Rat that they had initially aired in February 2006. The programme revealed huge lapses in Indian maritime security. The reporters smuggled in crates of apples into Mumbai three times from international waters, by landing their cargo on different beaches near Mumbai.^[112]

References