New Delhi: Following the horrific serial attacks in Paris, the Indian Embassy in France has opened its helpline number for stranded Indian citizens in the terror struck city.
“Indian Embassy telephone 0140507070 open, we hope all Indians are safe. Our prayers with families affected and solidarity with France,” Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar tweeted.
The nation was left in mourning and the world in unbelievable shock as scores were killed in the coordinated attacks late on Friday.
The deadly attack reportedly began in the French capital at a soccer stadium where a match was underway as explosions set off. Simultaneously, terrorists armed with AK-47s and bombs strapped to them began attacking in different sites throughout the city.
A bloodbath was reported from the Bataclan concert hall where more than 100 were killed as terrorists opened fire for 15 minutes and even shot hostages at point blank range.
Later, SWAT units stormed the concert hall and around three terrorists were reportedly neutralised, ending the siege.
According to reports, the attack sites are Bataclan concert venue, Le Carillon, Le Petit Cambodge, 20 rue Alibert, La Belle Equipe, Near Stade de France and reports of gunfire at least from one other site.
French President Francois Hollande sent out a strong message in a televised address to the grief and horror struck nation, asking them to stay united and swore the assailants responsible will face the consequences.
“As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is a horror. Faced with terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be. What the terrorists want is to scare us and fill us with dread. There is indeed reason to be afraid. There is dread, but in the face of this dread, there is a nation that knows how to defend itself, that knows how to mobilise its forces and, once again, will defeat the terrorists,” the President said.
He also declared a state of emergency and ordered the borders to be closed while rallying military reinforcements.
U.S President Barack Obama said the attack was not just on France but on humanity and swore to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condemned the horrific attacks and have extended their full support to the French Government. (ANI)