Post 26/11, Taj security staff get extensive security lessons

Post 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which targeted its premier heritage hotel, the Taj group has prepared a comprehensive safety plan and sent its security staff abroad for "extensive training" under organisations which are experts in anti-terror operations.

"A number of our security staff have received extensive training from organisations with world-class security experience," a spokesperson of the Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces group said.

The Taj group, which owns a number of hotels and resorts both inside and outside India, developed the plan to train its security staff abroad after consultations with many national and international security experts, the spokesperson said.

"Our approach to training was developed after consulting with a number of national and international security experts," the spokesperson said.

The Taj Mahal Hotel was at the centre of the 60-hour-long terrorist siege of Mumbai on November 26 last year which left about 183 people dead. Hotel Oberoi and Cafe Leopold were also targeted during the attack.

"Our approach is based on regular liaison with relevant authorities, whose guidance we immediately act upon," the spokesperson said, adding that the level and the frequency of training given to the staff is constantly reviewed with professional advisors.

In recent months, terrorist groups have targeted a number of five star hotels in both India and Pakistan.