Remembering the 26/11 Mumbai Attack
November 26, 2008, remains etched in India's memory as a day of immense tragedy. Ten terrorists from Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Taiba infiltrated Mumbai via the sea, launching a 60-hour assault that claimed 166 lives, including 18 security personnel. Numerous others were injured, and the attacks caused significant damage to property.
Leaders Pay Homage to the Martyrs
On the 14th anniversary of the attack, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid floral tributes at the martyrs' memorial located in the Police Commissioner Office premises in South Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Chief Secretary Manu Kumar Srivastava, State DGP Rajnish Seth, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar were also present at the solemn ceremony. Family members of the police personnel who sacrificed their lives during the attack joined officials to honor their memory.
Key Heroes Remembered
The attacks claimed the lives of several brave officers who stood against the terrorists. Among them were:
- Hemant Karkare: Then Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief.
- Sandeep Unnikrishnan: Army Major who fought valiantly.
- Ashok Kamte: Mumbai's Additional Police Commissioner.
- Vijay Salaskar: Senior Police Inspector.
- Tukaram Omble Assistant Sub-Inspector
These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the city.
Sites Targeted by Terrorists
The assault, which began on November 26 and lasted until November 29, targeted multiple locations in Mumbai, leaving the city scarred. Key sites included:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
- Oberoi Trident Hotel
- Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel
- Leopold Cafe
- Cama Hospital
- Nariman House (a Jewish community center)
President Murmu's Tribute
President Droupadi Murmu expressed the nation’s deep gratitude towards the brave security personnel who fought during the attacks. She also extended solidarity to the families of the victims.
“On the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the nation remembers with gratitude all those we lost. We share the enduring pain of their loved ones and families. Nation pays homage to the security personnel who fought valiantly and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” President Murmu stated in her message.
A Nation United in Remembrance
Fourteen years later, the country continues to honor the memory of the victims and the bravery of its security forces. The sacrifices made during the 26/11 attack remain a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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