Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 26: The nation came together on Tuesday to solemnly remember the victims and valiant security personnel who laid down their lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi paid heartfelt tributes on the 17th anniversary of the tragedy.
President Murmu, recalling the sacrifice of the security forces and civilians, said the country remains indebted to their courage. “On the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, I pay my humble tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the people of our country. Let us reaffirm our commitment to combat terrorism in all forms and move forward together to build a stronger and more prosperous India,” she stated.
Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the Centre’s unwavering stance against terrorism, noting that India's zero-tolerance policy continues to gain global appreciation. “On this very day in 2008, terrorists carried out a cowardly attack on Mumbai and committed heinous and inhuman acts. I pay my respects to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives while bravely facing the Mumbai terrorist attacks,” Shah wrote on X, also honouring the civilians who lost their lives. He emphasised that terrorism is a threat not just to one nation but to all of humanity.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also remembered the martyrs of the attack, saying, “India will never forget their courage, sacrifice, and martyrdom.”
The 26/11 attacks, carried out by 10 heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists who entered Mumbai via the sea, unfolded over four harrowing days starting November 26, 2008. In the coordinated assault on iconic and high-footfall locations — including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Nariman House, Cama Hospital, Leopold Cafe, Metro Cinema and others — 166 people were killed and around 300 injured.
Even today, reminders of the tragedy remain etched in the city: the bullet-scarred walls of Leopold Cafe and Nariman House, and the memorial of Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who heroically captured the lone surviving attacker, Ajmal Kasab, at the cost of his own life.
Nine of the terrorists were killed during the operation, while Kasab was captured alive, later sentenced to death in 2010 and executed in 2012 at Pune’s Yerwada Jail.
As the country observed the anniversary, leaders and citizens alike united in honouring the memory of those lost and saluting the unwavering bravery of India’s security forces.