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CNN Live At Daybreak

Gunfire, Explosions Erupting as Five Armed Intruders Storm Parliament Building in New Delhi

Aired December 13, 2001 - 05:16   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Now more from the situation in New Delhi. We're learning more about the dramatic events that were unfolding in India's capital city -- gunfire, explosions erupting as five armed intruders stormed the parliament building in New Delhi.

And CNN New Delhi bureau chief Satinder Bindra brings us now the latest on the government's response to that assault.

SATINDER BINDRA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm standing just outside the gates of the Indian parliament, where the situation remains extremely chaotic. The situation here is extremely tense. As you can see probably just over my shoulder, the Indian Army has just moved in.

We've seen over the past half hour some three trucks of the Indian Army. Some soldiers are carrying rocket launchers here. Now, earlier today the Indian prime minister's office says the Indian parliament was attacked by five armed intruders. These intruders burst right into parliament. According to the Indian police and the Indian prime minister's offices, four of these intruders have been killed, but their identity is still not clear.

One intruder still remains at large and the Indian police and the Indian security forces have launched a massive manhunt for him. According to sources here, some hundred parliamentarians are believed to be still trapped inside, but the Indian prime minister's office says the Indian prime minister is safe. Senior members of the Indian cabinet, according to the Indian prime minister's office, are also safe.

Indian parliamentarians are now appealing to the Indian public for calm, but some people and some parliamentarians that I've spoken to here say an attack on the Indian parliament is an attack on India's sovereignty.

Satinder Bindra, CNN, New Delhi.

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