On the solemn occasion of the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, tributes poured in from across the nation as leaders, families, and citizens remembered the martyrs and victims of one of India’s darkest days. Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, along with several other dignitaries, paid homage to the brave security personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during the four-day siege that began on November 26, 2008.
Family members of policemen who lost their lives also joined in, offering tributes to honor their loved ones. The ceremony reflected a collective spirit of resilience and a renewed commitment to combating terrorism.
Leaders Pay Homage on the 16th Anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks: A Brief Recap
On that fateful day in 2008, ten heavily armed militants from the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) entered Mumbai via sea. They launched coordinated attacks on iconic locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi-Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and Nariman House.
The attacks claimed the lives of 166 individuals, including 18 security personnel, and left over 300 injured. Hostages were taken at multiple sites, with the ordeal lasting nearly four days before the National Security Guard (NSG) neutralized the terrorists.
President and Union Ministers Share Their Tributes
President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying respects, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to convey her condolences and gratitude. She stated:
“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. 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.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute, emphasizing India’s robust anti-terrorism stance under the current administration:
“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. 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.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed these sentiments, 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 supreme sacrifices in the line of duty. We remember, and we will never forget those wounds.”
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A Day of Remembrance and Resolve
The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and unity in the face of global terrorism. Events across the nation, from memorial services to educational initiatives, ensure that the memory of the martyrs remains alive while inspiring efforts toward a safer, more secure world.
India’s commitment to counter-terrorism remains unwavering, and the lessons learned from 26/11 continue to shape policies and security frameworks to prevent such tragedies in the future.