Last Updated on 24 November 2024 IST: In remembrance of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack, the nation asserted to remain resolute in the fight against terrorism. Many Indian citizens and leaders spoke boldly against Pakistan sponsored terror. The precious human birth is to escape from the vicious cycle of birth and death alone.
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
- The world stand with India, stays resolute in the battle against terrorism
- The residents of village Sultanpur in Maharashtra changed the name of village as ‘Rahul Nagar’
- Devendra Fadnavis, The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra offered condolences recalling the terror attack of 26/11
- 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
- World can be free from terrorists and there can be a change in their behaviour by reciting true mantras
26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: How Terrorists Reached Mumbai?
After traveling aboard a Pakistani-flagged cargo ship, the terrorists hijacked an Indian fishing boat killing its crew; then, once they were near the Mumbai coast, they used inflatable dinghies to reach Badhwar Park and the Sassoon Docks, near the city’s Gateway of India monument. After reaching the land they splitted into small teams and started killing.
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.
Series of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
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): The assault commenced at approximately 9:20 PM when two assailants opened fire in the bustling railway station, resulting in the deaths of 58 individuals and injuring over 100.
Leopold Café: Following the attack at CSMT, the terrorists targeted the renowned Leopold Café, where 10 people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: 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.
Oberoi Trident Hotel: Another faction of terrorists launched an assault on this upscale hotel, taking hostages and resulting in the deaths of 30 people during the siege.
Nariman House: The Jewish community center was also attacked, leading to an extended hostage crisis that resulted in the deaths of five hostages, including a rabbi and his family.
Cama Hospital: This hospital was targeted as well, where six police officers, including Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, were killed.
Metro Cinema and St. Xavier’s College: The violence spread to these locations, causing additional casualties and widespread panic.
The attacks were carried out by 10 terrorists from the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The siege ended on November 29, 2008, with the death of the last remaining attackers at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. These attacks left a deep scar on Mumbai and highlighted the need for improved security measures and international cooperation in combating terrorism.
Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep condolences for 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack in an event
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.
Cosequences of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
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.
Infighting Is Not the Purpose of Precious Human Birth
It is grave ignorance to fight on any issue in the world. Everything is perishable here. Human birth will be fruitful if a person performs the True Devotion of the Absolute Supreme God Kabir Saheb and ensures its place in the Eternal Abode.
It is possible by taking the Naam Initiation from an enlightened Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj. Therefore, all human beings should learn Eternal Knowledge by reading the Sacred Book “Way of Living“ and listening to Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s Sermons 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.