On the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India united in solemn remembrance of the victims and the valiant security personnel who laid down their lives in the face of a brutal assault.
India’s President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying tribute to the martyrs of the 2008 tragedy, while several other high-ranking officials and ministers echoed her sentiments, emphasising India’s enduring commitment to combatting terrorism.
In a post on X, President Murmu honoured the memories of those lost in the attacks. “On the anniversary of cowardly terror attacks in Mumbai on 26th November 2008, I join the entire nation in paying homage to the bravehearts who lost their lives and expressing solidarity with their families,” she stated.
The President also reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism, adding,
“A grateful nation salutes its valiant security personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our people. It is also the day to reiterate that India remains firmly committed to defeating terrorism in all its forms.”
The 26/11 attacks, a series of coordinated terror strikes across Mumbai, were carried out by ten operatives from the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Over four days, they targeted multiple iconic locations in the city, including the Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Leopold Cafe, and Nariman House.
The horrific events left at least 174 people dead, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals, with more than 300 others wounded. The scars of those days remain fresh in the hearts of millions, but so too does the resilience shown by Mumbai and the entire nation in the face of terror.
Solidarity and Salutes from Indian Leaders
Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah also marked the day by paying homage to the martyrs and highlighting the Indian government’s approach to fighting terrorism.
“On this day in 2008, cowardly terrorists shamed humanity by killing innocent people in Mumbai. I pay my emotional tribute to the soldiers who attained martyrdom while fighting terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and salute those who lost their lives,” Shah said in a post on X.
He reiterated that terrorism is a “blot on the entire human civilisation,” adding,
“The Modi government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism has been appreciated by the entire world, and today, India has become a world leader in anti-terrorism initiatives.”
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his tribute, also remembered the fallen heroes, stating, “On the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the nation remembers those who lost their lives that fateful day. We pay homage to the security personnel who fought with utmost courage and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.”
Singh emphasised the collective national sentiment, adding,
“We remember, and we will never forget those wounds.”
Other Union Ministers, including Piyush Goyal, took to social media to express their respects.
“Respectful salute to the brave soldiers, policemen, and innocent citizens who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the motherland in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack. Their bravery, sacrifice, and martyrdom will always be remembered,” Goyal said in his post.
Mumbai’s Leaders Honour the Fallen
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Memorial in the city, joined by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan. The leaders gathered at the Commissioner’s Office to honour those who bravely defended the city during the prolonged siege, a gesture that drew many ordinary citizens who also came to pay their respects.
The memorial event was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens and security personnel during those fateful days in November 2008. It was also a time for Mumbai to demonstrate its legendary resilience—a city that never stops, even in the face of terror.
India’s Ongoing Commitment to Counterterrorism
The commemorations this year carried an underlying message of unity and resilience. The leaders reiterated the need to remain vigilant in the face of threats, with President Murmu and Union Ministers emphasising that India remains committed to eradicating terrorism from its soil. The “zero tolerance” policy of the Indian government, as mentioned by Amit Shah, underscores this intent, and the progress made in international anti-terrorism collaboration is a testament to the nation’s proactive measures on this front.
The anniversary also serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against terrorism, not just for India, but for the global community. The tribute paid by the leaders reflected a shared determination to ensure that the lives lost in Mumbai were not in vain and that such acts of cowardice would be met with an unwavering commitment to peace and justice.
A Nation Remembers
Sixteen years on, the 26/11 attacks are etched into India’s collective memory. The anniversary of the attacks is not only a time to mourn the loss of innocent lives but also to celebrate the bravery of those who risked everything to protect their fellow citizens. The tributes paid by President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other leaders capture the nation’s gratitude and determination to never forget the sacrifices made.
The images of the burning Taj Hotel, the frantic crowds at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the courageous National Security Guard commandos storming into danger are forever marked in history. They serve as a solemn reminder of the price of freedom and the importance of unity against forces that seek to disrupt peace and stability. On this day, as India reflects on the past, it also looks forward, with renewed resolve, to secure a future free from the scourge of terrorism.
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