Mumbai under attack

[Yaj]

Here's another disturbing thing. Working from home today and the telly is on. One of the TV channels was showing cops getting ready for action. What was alarming is the way the cops were fumbling with their flak jackets (if they are kevlar to start with) almost pointing out to non-familiarity. God Help!

I absolutely agree! I have been watching since last night and our Mumbai police was embarassing to watch.The way they fumbled and stumbled their way around, their seeming unfamiliarity with the equipment was shameful. Dont wish to speak ill of the dead but the way the ATS chief Hemant karkare got down from his car speaking on his mobile phone and fumbled with his helmet he seemed like he was late for a meeting at the Mantralaya.I remarked to my wife at the time that these guys look like they are going for a walk in the park.
Our police is so used to extortions,deal making, salting away bucks,false encounters and politicking that when the real thing hits them in the face they are exposed for what they are.
It is most demoralising to think that our security and those of our loved ones is in such hands!
Regards,
Yaj.

[yash3_great]

Certainly not Kevlar or something good. ATS chief Hemant Karkare was wearing a "bullet-proof" jacket and helmet when he went into the cross fire.

[Fulcrum]

now evidently negotiations are being tried. Time to hold hands together with the bad 'uns and sing Kumbaya my lord.

[cottage cheese]

been glued to the TV...

While temporarily detaching oneself from the tragic aspect...any one noticed the interesting additions to out firepower?... I saw some NSG folks brandishing SIG SG551 SWAT rifles, ad of course some late model HK MP5s (Newish stuff that resemble MP5F's)

[HydNawab]

I am sure the terrorists are using armour piercing bullets.The DGP has admitted that these people are trained professionals and have carefully planned and executed this act.

Was hearing a conversation between one of the terrorists and a news reporter. What can the security personnel do when the terrorists are suicidal?He was talking as if he has nothing to lose.

[Yaj]

What can the security personnel do when the terrorists are suicidal?

Help them meet their maker.ASAP
Yaj.

[Sakobav]

Yaj/Ashar

I had the same reaction when I saw clip of the ATS chief. His death is a great loss, he had served in RAW for many years and just returned from posting in Vienna. On the other hand kudos and salute to Mumbai Police officers and men who confronted these assailants, bore the brunt and may have contained damage. This is reflected with number of senior officers who died while leading from the front, very few instances in India when 3 IPS officers died the same day. This is a new manifestation how terrorists will be operating and also per MARCO commandos they were /are very well trained and equipped with stun grenades etc.

Then there is an article when locals near Jewish center were throwing stones at terrorists wish there were or an armed citizen(s).

Lot of takeaways from this episode but will the lessons be learned, plans made I doubt it but as long as we all are united shall prevail

[cottage cheese]

I am sure the terrorists are using armour piercing bullets.

Hi HN,

AK ammo, even in its standard will penetrate most of the 'soft' body armor that our folks are wearing. It can be stopped only if one is wearing trauma plates...and upto some extent, our 9.5kilo steel plate vest. 7.62mmx39mmAP on the other hand could pass even that most times.

What can the security personnel do when the terrorists are suicidal?He was talking as if he has nothing to lose.

Shoot the turd. no point quibbling over liberal ethics and the like

[lazybones]

It's heart wrenching watching our citizens getting murdered in large numbers, yet again.
Here's hoping-against-hope that this atrocity wakes our entire system up. We all seem to have such short memories. The blasts targeting hospitals, the last time around, should have informed us that these bad guys are rabid and don't follow the rules of war.

Ashok

[mundaire]

My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and my heartfelt respect to the men in uniform who laid down their lives so that others could have theirs.

Hate to be a cynic at a time like this, but I doubt if this horrendous incident will lead to any meaningful changes. Citizens who are armed and skilled in the use of those arms could very well have meant a much lower body count... but will this happen anytime soon? Or ever?!

AMK/ others in Mumbai, I hope your friends/ loved ones make it out unscathed.

Cheers!
Abhijeet

[R-Dhillon]

I dont get one thing. How could jus a handful of guys takeover such a huge building? Didnt Taj n Oberoi have a security of their own I mean they should. How many people inside the building were carring a weapon? I mean citizens with gun ownership, they could 've fought back. Wat level bullet proof vests were the fallen cops wearing? Considering the damage I think level II. Just a few thoughts that came to my mind...
Regards,
R.Dhillon

[lazybones]

RD: It's even more tragic when an Indian company happens to be one of the world's leading supplier of Body Armour and Kevlar helmets. See:

http://www.mku.com

Ashok

[bullshitwalks]

god bless the souls of the soldiers who martyred themselves in the line of duty.
i have no words to express my anguish,helplessness and remorse for politicians.
hats off to the brave soldiers.

[kragiesardar]

Hope everyone's loved ones are safe. It is heart wrenching to see what is happening. I was at a business meeting at the Taj when I was last in India. Really brought it home.
Lack of leadership is the issue. Regardless of whither you like Bush or not, there has been no attack on the US homeland. Extreme consequence for such activity is the only deterrence.
May those that died have peace in the after world.

[bullshitwalks]

i totally agree with the views and opinions of my friends on the forum. this incident has left the nation in shock and awe.
god bless the souls , who felt victims.
god bless india