THE Singaporean being held hostage in a Mumbai's luxury hotel stormed by a team of militant gunmen managed to contact family members here, who in turn alerted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) early on Thursday morning.

'As far as we understand, the Singaporean has not been harmed,' an MFA official said at a media briefing on Thursday.

The hostage - believed to be a woman - was staying at the Oberoi Hotel, where wire reports said between 100 and 200 guests and workers were still trapped inside, with 10 to 12 militants.

The MFA spokesman said the ministry was in close touch with the family, who has expressed a desire to remain private for now. As such, MFA has withheld the identity of the Singaporean hostage.

MFA has made arrangements for the family to fly to Mumbai, and is liaising with Indian authorities to secure the Singaporean's release. The Singapore government is also offering assistance to their Indian counterparts.

The hostage is believed to be one of some 20 others of different nationalities taken by the terrorists.

MFA said it has not received any reports of any Singaporean casualties.

There are about 115 known Singaporeans in Mumbai. Among them are seven who were stranded when the attacks happened.

'They are in safe locations but not out of Mumbai,' said the MFA official.

Nearly 100 people were killed and more than 250 injured in the Wednesday attacks when gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenades hit two luxury hotels and captured an unknown number of foreign guests.

A group calling itself the 'Deccan Mujahedeen' claimed responsibility for

the late night assaults on the Taj Mahal and Oberoi Trident hotels, as well as

the main train station, a hospital and an up-market restaurant.

'Singapore strongly condemns the attacks,' the foreign ministry said in a statement earlier on Thursday. '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.'

The foreign ministry advised Singaporeans to postpone travel to Mumbai unless they have a pressing need to go.

Those who still want to go there should closely monitor news developments there. They are advised to register with the MFA at www.mfa.gov.sg. This will enable the Ministry and Consulate-General in Mumbai to contact Singaporeans and give them the necessary help in case of emergencies.

When in Mumbai, Singaporeans are advised to take the necessary precautions for their personal safety.

Read also:
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