Mumbai marks 26/11 anniversary as leaders reiterate zero tolerance for terror

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday paid floral tributes at the martyrs’ memorial inside the Mumbai Police Commissioner’s Office, as the nation marked 17 years since the 26/11 terror attacks that claimed 166 lives.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media to honour the victims and security personnel while reiterating India’s commitment to combat terrorism.

President Murmu said the nation remembers the “supreme sacrifice” of the brave soldiers with gratitude. “On the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, I pay my humble tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the people of our country. The nation remembers their supreme sacrifice with gratitude. Let us reaffirm our commitment to combat terrorism in all forms. Let us move forward together on the path of progress with a resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous India,” she wrote on social media platform X.

Prime Minister Modi called the day a solemn reminder of the need for global unity against terror. “We remember the horrific terror attacks in Mumbai on this day in 2008 and pay homage to the innocent men and women who lost their lives. We salute the brave security personnel who laid down their lives to protect several lives on that fateful day. They are our true heroes. Today is a day to reaffirm our commitment to work together to combat the menace of terror and uproot it from the face of humankind,” he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah described the attacks as “a shameful assault on humanity” and stressed India’s leadership in counter-terrorism efforts. “On this day in 2008, cowardly terrorists in Mumbai killed innocent people, shamefully attacking humanity. Terrorism is a stain on all of human civilization. The Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism has been praised globally, and today, India stands as a leader in counter-terrorism initiatives,” he posted.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and State Minister Ashish Shelar also paid homage at the martyrs’ memorial along with senior police officials, including Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti. Families of the fallen policemen were present at the ceremony.

Tributes were also offered at CSMT, Cama and Albless Hospital, and at “Prerana Sthal,” the statue of Assistant Sub Inspector Tukaram Ombale, who died while capturing terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive.

Later in the evening, the National Security Guard organised a commemorative event at the Gateway of India, where citizens and families of victims gathered to renew the pledge against terrorism.

The attacks on November 26, 2008, carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives who entered Mumbai by sea, targeted multiple high-profile locations including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Nariman House. Over 300 people were injured in the carnage, which prompted sweeping changes in India’s counter-terrorism architecture.