Mumbai police defuse bombs amid protest

PHOTO

Protesters in Mumbai shout slogans against terrorism. [Reuters]

Last Updated: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 15:12:00 +1100

Thousands of people have marched through the western Indian city of Mumbai demanding India's leaders do more to protect them from extremists.

As the demonstration took place, police discovered and defused explosives at Mumbai's main railway station they say were left by the militants who killed many people there as they sprayed bullets across the crowded concourse.

Police say the situation is under control and a bomb disposal unit has defused the devices.

The explosives are similar to others left by the militants elsewhere in the city during the attacks.

Exactly a week after the deadly attacks on the city, the large, vocal crowds chanting "We want justice" gathered around the Gateway of India monument, opposite the Taj Mahal hotel that was one of the sites hit by militants.

At least 188 people were killed and more than 300 injured in a 60-hour stand-off between 10 heavily-armed Islamist extremists.

A series of intelligence failings have been highlighted in recent days, including revelations that India was warned about a possible terror strike on Mumbai by sea several months ago.

The militants arrived in the city by boat last Wednesday evening.