Japanese man among the slain

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20081128a1.html

By JUN HONGO
Staff writer
A Japanese businessman was among the scores of people killed in Mumbai by multiple terrorist attacks on major landmarks in India's financial capital, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Hisashi Tsuda, 38, was shot during an assault on his hotel. A Muslim militant group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen has allegedly claimed responsibility for the 13 coordinated attacks on the city.



Tsuda, employed by Tokyo-based Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., was in Mumbai, also known as Mumbai, on business when he was shot in the chest and leg in the lobby of the hotel. One of his colleagues was also wounded.

"We express strong resentment that many lives, including that of a Japanese, were taken because of the attacks," Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said, adding that no act of terrorism can be justified.

Local media have reported that the gunmen were specifically hunting Westerners. Some of the terrorists had reportedly taken hostages and were holed up in a hotel after the attacks.

Later in the day, the Foreign Ministry said it had confirmed the safety of all 268 local Japanese residents and 28 businesspeople in the area.

According to the Foreign Ministry, there have been six major terrorist campaigns in the last six months, including simultaneous bombings in Delhi in September and in Guwahati, Assam, in October.

Following the attacks, the Foreign Ministry issued warnings to Japanese nationals and travelers bound for India, advising them to stay away from crowded public places and to stay alert. It also set up special task forces in both Mumbai and in Tokyo.

Kawamura strongly condemned the attacks.

"We are determined to join hands on the fight against terrorism with our friends in India, the U.S. and other countries," he said.