Injured commandos just happy to be alive after Mumbai terror strikes

Mumbai, Dec.1 : Black Cat commandos who were injured during the flushing out of terrorists from landmark sites in Mumbai have said that they are fortunate to come out alive from the horrific incident.

The National Security Guard (NSG) commandos immediately plunged in to save hundreds of hostages held by the militants inside the Taj Mahal Hotel, the Trident/Oberoi Hotel and at Nariman House.

However, it was 103 years old Taj Hotel, which bore their brunt.

The battle for Taj lasted for about 59 hours with many hostages and one leader of the NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan laying down their lives during the pitched battle between the NSG and the terrorists.

"When we were searching and rescuing the hostages on the third floor (of Taj Hotel) they (militants) attacked and prayed (bullets). Three rounds brushed my body while the hostage was hit in his stomach.

However, we managed to come out from there," recalled Sunil Kumar Yadav, an NSG commando, who sustained bullet injuries during rescue operation at Taj Hotel.

Recalling the brutality of the militants Yadav said that the slain bodies were lying strewn on the floors.

"There were a lot of bullets lying on the floor near the fire exit and when we moved towards kitchen we found that it was filled with chairs and the bodies of the entire staff were lying there. Then we took the other exit point to rescue hostages," added Yadav.

Many other security officials who fought and witnessed death from close quarters also came out alive.

"I am feeling fortunate to come out alive from there. I just want to express my gratitude to the Almighty and my parents whose wishes shielded me from during those hours," said a police official, who sustained a bullet injury when the terrorists attacked him in the Colaba area of the city.

Commandos completed the operations to neutralize the terrorists on Saturday, ending three days of mayhem in India's financial capital that caused the deaths of at least 195 people including 22 foreigners and wounded 295.

ANI