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Last Updated on 24 November 2024 IST: On November 26, 2008, India’s financial capital Mumbai witnessed one of the most devastating and meticulously planned terrorist attacks in modern history. Over the course of 60 hours, ten heavily-armed militants from the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) unleashed a coordinated assault across multiple high-profile locations in the city, resulting in 166 deaths and over 300 injuries.
26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: Highlights
- November 26 marks the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The nation remembers the 2008 heinous terror attacks in Mumbai.
- November 26-29, 2008: Ten heavily-armed terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) launched coordinated attacks across Mumbai
- 66 people killed and over 300 injured in one of India’s deadliest terror attacks
- Terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via sea route from Karachi, Pakistan, traveling 38 hours undetected by the Indian Navy.
- The attack lasted 60 hours across multiple high-profile locations including Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident, CST, Leopold Cafe, and Nariman House.
- Residents of Sultanpur village in Maharashtra renamed it ‘Rahul Nagar’ to honor the martyrs.
- India and US in June 2024 had submitted the proposal to blacklist Sajid Mir (Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist), known as the master mind of 26/11 China, however put on hold the proposal to blacklist the terrorists
- Among the victims there were few foreign nationals, including six Americans, six Jews at the Chabad, and nine terrorists.
- One captured terrorist Kasab was executed after a long judicial case.
- The incidents took place at the Oberoi hotel, the Taj Hotel, the Leopold Cafe, the Nariman (Chabad) House, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station.
26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: How did the Terrorists infiltrate Mumbai?
They set sail from Karachi on November 21, 2008, hijacking the Indian fishing trawler Kuber en route, slitting the throats of its crew except the captain, whom they forced to navigate toward Mumbai.
By November 23, they were adrift off the coast, armed with AK-47s, grenades, and RDX explosives, along with the blueprints of targets like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel scouted earlier by double-agent David Headley.
Upon reaching, they used inflatable dinghies to reach Badhwar Park and the Sassoon Docks, which is located near the Gateway of India and splitted into small teams to execute their heinous terror attacks.
What Happened on 26/11 in Mumbai?
On November 26 in the year 2008, ten Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists conducted 12 organized shooting and bombing strikes, continuing for four days throughout Mumbai. In total,166 persons were killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. And, around 300 people were injured in the attacks. Among the victims there were few foreign nationals, including six Americans, six Jews at the Chabad, and nine terrorists. One captured terrorist Kasab was executed after a long judicial case. The incidents took place at the Oberoi hotel, the Taj Hotel, the Leopold Cafe, the Nariman (Chabad) House, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station.
The Timeline of the 26/11 Mumbai Attack
Now, we’ll walk through a timeline of these attacks carried out by 10 terrorists from the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The Mumbai attacks of November 26-29, 2008, were a series of meticulously coordinated terrorist assaults that struck the city of Mumbai, India. Below is a summary of the significant occurrences:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT):
Imagine the familiar rhythm of commuters rushing home, only to have that normalcy violently shattered by the crack of AK-47 fire. On 26 November, 2008 around 9:21PM, Terrorists Ismail Khan and Ajmal Kasab unleashed a barrage that left 58 people dead and 104 severely wounded.
Leopold Cafe and Taxi Blasts
Following this tragedy, Shoaib and Nazir alias Abu Umer rushed into a cafe located in Coloba (Mumbai) around 9:30PM, killing 10 people in a constant gunfire. Later, They also planted bombs in taxis which claimed 5 more innocent lives by 10PM.
Around 9:45 PM: Nariman House (Chabad Center)
The Nariman House business and residential complex housing the Jewish Chabad Lubavitch outreach centre was also attacked, leading to an extended hostage crisis that resulted in the deaths of five hostages including Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, his pregnant wife Rivka, and six others.
Taj Mahal Palace and Oberoi Trident Hotel Attacks
A group of four terrorists infiltrated the hotel, planting explosives and taking hostages. The standoff persisted for more than 60 hours, culminating in the deaths of 31 individuals.
Another faction of terrorists launched an assault on the Oberoi Trident hotel, taking hostages and resulting in the deaths of 30 people during the siege.
Apart from this, The Cama Hospital was targeted as well, where six police officers, including Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, were killed.
The violence spread to locations like Metro Cinema and St. Xavier’s College causing additional casualties and widespread panic.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep condolences for 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack
On the 15th anniversary of 26/11 attack, “Panchajanya ” organized an event on November 25, 2023. Here the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis said that this attack was a wound that will never heal.
He further added that after this attack, the security services have been enhanced. Moreover, security at Seas has also increased since the terrorists of 26/11 entered through sea route.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at this attack, “In a terror attack, soft diplomacy does not work. If you attack us, we will enter your home and hit you back.”
■ Also Read: Top Terrorist Riyaz Naikoo killed by Indian Army
Tribute to the constable Rahul Shinde
In the 26/11 attack, a constable of State Reserve Police Force (SPRF) named Rahul Shinde sacrificed his life while fighting terrorists.
He was from Sultanpur, a small village in Maharashtra. In his honor, the residents here changed the name of the village from Sultanpur to “Rahul Nagar”. The government also honored him with the President’s Police Medal for his sacrifice.
Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations spoke on terrorism
In June 2022, Ruchira Kamboj was appointed as the Ambassador/ Permanent Representative of India to the UN.
She expressed in her statement that terrorism poses a grave threat to international peace and security. She further added that had been trying to sanction the perpetrators of 26/11, however these efforts were blocked by China due to political reasons.
■ Read in Hindi: Mumbai Terror Attack (26/11 ): जब गोलियों की तड़तड़ाहट से दहल उठी थी मुंबई, जानें क्या हुआ था उस दिन?
Sajid Mir, Lashkar-e- Taiba who was supposed to be the mastermind of 26/11 attack was presumed dead but he is in the custody of the authorities in Pakistan and a real threat to India for more terror attacks like 26/11.
Steps taken after 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack
Following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, several measures were implemented to strengthen India’s intelligence system and surveillance capabilities:
- Coastal Security: The Indian Navy was designated as the authority responsible for overall maritime security, assisted by the Coast Guard, State Marine Police, and other agencies.
- Joint Operation Centres (JOCs): Established at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, and Port Blair, these centers are jointly manned by the Navy and Coast Guard with inputs from various agencies.
- Sagar Prahari Bal: Formation of this unit includes 80 Fast Interceptor Craft and 1,000 personnel to enhance coastal security.
- Coastal Security Exercises: Regular exercises are conducted in all coastal states to improve coordination among security agencies.
- Enhanced Surveillance: Increased surface and air surveillance by Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships and aircraft along the coast and offshore areas.
- Awareness Drives: Conducted by the Navy and Coast Guard to sensitize the fishing and coastal community about security threats.
- Coastal Radar Chain: Establishment of a coastal radar chain and Automatic Identification System (AIS) for better monitoring.
- National Command Control Communications and Intelligence (NC3I) Network: Set up to enhance maritime security measures.
- Intelligence Coordination: Establishment of subsidiary multi-agency centers (SMACs) in 30 important locations to share intelligence among security agencies.
- Tracking Fishing Boats: Implementation of systems to track fishing boats 24/7, issuance of biometric cards to fishermen, and online registrations.
These steps have significantly improved India’s preparedness and response capabilities to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The Aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai Attack
The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks had significant consequences:
- Loss of Lives: 175 people killed, including 18 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals; over 300 injured.
- Security Reforms: Establishment of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and NSG hubs in major cities.
- Coastal Security: Enhanced measures, including the formation of Sagar Prahari Bal and coastal radar chains.
- Intelligence Sharing: Improved coordination among security agencies.
- International Relations: Strained India-Pakistan relations, increased global pressure on Pakistan.
- Economic Impact: Significant damage to Mumbai’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
- Public Sentiment: Increased demand for better security measures and government accountability.
- Global Response: Condemnation and increased international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
These consequences highlight the profound impact of the 26/11 mumbai terror attacks on various facets of Indian society and the global community.
Finding Purpose of this Pious Human Life
Human life is very precious and for people to be divided into conflicting interests and ideologies leading to conflicts and terrorism is a very cruel tragedy. It is grave ignorance to fight over any issue in the world. Everything here is perishable. Human birth will be fruitful only if a person performs the True Devotion of the Absolute Supreme God Kabir Saheb and ensures their place in the Eternal Abode.
It is possible by taking the Naam Initiation from an enlightened Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj. Everyone is encouraged to read the Sacred Book “Way of Living“ and listen to the values given by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj on Satlok Ashram YouTube Channel.
FAQs about the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack
Ans:- There were a series of attacks in Mumbai in November 2008
Ans:- There were 10 terrorists who attacked several places in Mumbai.
Ans:- The terrorists entered in Mumbai through sea route.
Ans:- There were 10 terrorists in total, out of which 9 were gunned down and only Ajmal Amir Kasab was caught alive who was hanged to death in 2012.
Ans:- The terrorists targeted several hotels which are renowned among foreigners for their stay. These were Taj hotel, Trident hotel, Oberoi Palace, Nariman house, Leopard Cafe and Cama hospital.
Ans:- Hafiz Sayeed who is head of LeT and chief of Jamaat ud Dawa was the mastermind of this attack. Apart from this, Sajid Mir who is the senior of LeT was also behind it.
