Laxity in coastal security: Maharashtra Deputy CM

Mumbai, Nov 28 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil on Friday admitted laxity in coastal security in the state.

Patil said that the coastal security would be tightened in the wake of the atrocious attacks and another force on the lines of National Security Guard (NSG) would be formed.

"The fact that the militants had entered Mumbai through the sea route is clear. After watching this episode we have taken the decision to tighten our coastal security which is very lax. We have decided to form a security force along the lines of NSG commandoes," Patil said.

He further said that one militant has been arrested and nine killed.

"Nine militants have died and one has been arrested...Mumbai police has full information on the people behind this attack," Patil said.

Relatives of the hostages who were killed during the rescue operations broke down after hearing of the loss of their near and dear ones.

Meanwhile, police said that they have recovered ammunitions from the militants through the fight with the militants in Taj and Nariman House is still on.

"We have seized AK 47, grenades, 2 pistol. Today 24 dead bodies of civilians have been found and six bodies recovered day Wednesday, (on foreigners) we will confirm and tell you. Taj and Nariman the fight is still on. About 2-3 people are there at Nariman House, we are not sure," Hasan Gafoor, Police Commissioner, Mumbai said.

The militants appeared to specifically target Britons, Americans and Israelis, witnesses said. About 10 Israelis were being held in several different sites, authorities said.

The attacks brought the biggest chaos to the city since serial bombings in 1993, killed 260 people and injured hundreds.

ANI