PM Narendra Modi condemns hostage crisis in Australia

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condemned as "inhuman" the hostage crisis in Australia and said he prays for everybody's safety.

"The incident in Sydney is disturbing. Such acts are inhuman & deeply unfortunate. I pray for everyone's safety," Modi tweeted.

The incident in Sydney is disturbing. Such acts are inhuman & deeply unfortunate. I pray for everyone's safety.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2014

Several people were today taken hostage at a popular cafe in the heart of Sydney city in south-east Australia at least by one gunman, according to media reports.

An Islamic flag was also reportedly seen hanging from the window of the cafe. Witnesses claimed hearing loud bangs that sounded like gun shots.