India Pays Homage: 15 Years On, Tributes Flow For Martyrs Of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks

Heartfelt tributes for the martyrs of 26/11 poured in on Sunday (26 November).

On this day 15 years ago, 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba militants sailed from Karachi to Mumbai, launching a rampage that lasted four days.

The attacks targeted various locations, resulting in 166 deaths and over 300 injuries.

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was besieged for more than 60 hours, with the commandos clearing it of attackers on 29 November 2008.

Then chief of the anti-terrorism squad, Hemant Karkare, Army Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Mumbai’s Additional Police Commissioner Ashok Kamte, and Senior Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar were among those killed.

Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured, was hanged on 21 November 2012.

Tributes:

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 107th edition of Mann ki Baat on Sunday, reflected on the fifteenth anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks.

Describing the incident as the "most dastardly terror attack," he emphasised the indelible nature of 26 November in the nation's memory.

The Prime Minister paid heartfelt tribute to the individuals who lost their lives during the attacks, stating that the entire country is united in "remembering our brave men who were martyred."

"Mumbai and the entire country were shaken up due to the terror attacks (on 26/11). However, India used its ability to recover from the incident and is now using the same courage to crush terrorism," Modi said further.

2. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an X post, expressed heartfelt tribute, stating that the nation will always remember the sacrifice of the security personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty.

"Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was the epitome of courage and bravery. The nation will always be grateful for his service and supreme sacrifice," he said.

Singh also shared a video posted by the Indian Army honouring Major Unnikrishnan, highlighting his leadership in the National Security Guard’s "Operation Black Tornado" to rescue civilians.

3. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also penned a post on X expressing his thoughts on the terror attacks.

"It is 15 years today since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Our quest to bring those responsible for planning and executing these horrific acts to justice continues," he wrote.

4. Eric Garcetti, the United States' Ambassador to India, shared a photograph of himself paying floral tributes to the martyrs.

Extending support to India in the fight against acts of terror, Garcetti said, "Today marks the 15th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. We honor the memory of the victims lost and pledge to continue to fight against acts of terror together with the Government of India."

5. Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, sharing a poster of the Taj hotel under attack, paid a tribute to all who were martyred in the 2008 attack.

"Humble tribute to all those martyred in the terrorist attack on 26 November 2008 in Mumbai. Salute to all the brave security personnel who bravely faced this attack," he wrote.

6. Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said the terror attack will never be forgotten.

"Neither have you forgotten, nor will you forget! We pay our tribute to all the soldiers, policemen and civilians who made the supreme sacrifice for the country in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks," Goyal wrote in Hindi on X.

7. Anurag Thakur, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, paid homage to the security personnel who sacrificed their lives.

"A heartfelt tribute to all the security forces who made the supreme sacrifice in the defense of the nation in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. The country will never forget your courage, dedication and sacrifice," he said on X.

8. Congress MP Praful Patel expressed his tribute to the brave souls of 26/11.

"Heartfelt tributes to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the 26/11 attacks. Their courage and resilience will forever be remembered. We stand united against terror, striving for peace," he said.

9. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with other officials, paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the police memorial in the police headquarters.

They also met the families of policemen who lost their lives in the attack.