26/11 Mumbai Attack 16th Anniversary

26/11 Mumbai Attack 16th Anniversary: On one hand, 26th November is a symbol of pride for India as Constitution Day, while on the other hand, the memories of this day bring a painful chapter which is difficult to forget. This terrorist attack in 2008 shook the entire country. Today is the 16th anniversary of this attack, and remembering this day, every Indian’s heart is filled with terror and grief.

This attack is considered to be the biggest terrorist attack in the history of independent India. 166 innocent people were killed in this attack, including 18 security personnel. In addition, more than 300 people were injured. The main target of the terrorists was the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, which is called the pride of the country.

Terrorists had reached Mumbai via sea

10 terrorists had reached Mumbai in a boat from Karachi, Pakistan. They were disguised as Indian fishermen, so that no one could suspect anything. On the way they hijacked an Indian boat “Kuber” and brutally killed all the people on board.

On 26 November 2008, at around 8 pm, these terrorists landed in the fish market near Colaba, Mumbai. Local fishermen saw these suspicious people and informed the police, but the police did not take it seriously. Taking advantage of this mistake, the terrorists started carrying out their nefarious intentions.

First attack on Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal

From the fish market, the terrorists took taxis in groups of four and proceeded towards different places. The first attack took place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal (CST) railway station at around 9:30 pm. Here the terrorists started firing indiscriminately with AK-47 rifles.

Many innocent people were killed and hundreds were injured in this attack. The terrorist Ajmal Kasab present here was caught alive by the police. This was the same Ajmal Kasab, who was later convicted by an Indian court and sentenced to death in 2012.

Mumbai’s pride Taj Hotel became the main target of terrorists

The second major target of the terrorists was the historic Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai. As soon as they entered the hotel, they started firing and took dozens of people hostage. The hotel was set on fire, filling the entire building with smoke and fear.

Apart from the Taj Hotel, the terrorists targeted the Oberoi Trident Hotel and Nariman House (also known as Chabad House). Dozens of people, including many foreigners, died at these places.

Panic lasted for 60 hours

That night in Mumbai began with terror, which continued for the next three days. The security forces tried their best to stop the terrorists, but the police force was proving inadequate compared to their tactics and weapons. After this National Security Guard (NSG) commandos were called.

NSG commandos surrounded the entire building and started the operation to eliminate the terrorists. After 60 hours of continuous encounter, all 10 terrorists were killed. Many security personnel were martyred in this operation, but due to their bravery the country was saved from greater loss.

Death of 166 innocent people and countless injuries

This terrorist attack of 26/11 took the lives of 166 innocent people. These included Indian citizens as well as foreign tourists. 18 security personnel were martyred in this attack. In addition, more than 300 people were injured, many of whom have still not recovered from the terror of that fateful night.

The mastermind of the attack and the hand of Pakistan

This attack was planned by Pakistan based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. The planning of the attack, training and supply of weapons all took place in Pakistan. All the terrorists including Ajmal Kasab were given rigorous training, so that they could be successful in their mission.

How did India retaliate?

After this attack, India took a tough stance and made a major change in its policy against terrorism. Security arrangements were strengthened, surveillance of maritime borders was increased and new strategies were made to stop terrorist activities.