17 Years Later: Remembering the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks and Their Lasting Impact

26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: The horrific events continue to haunt survivors and witnesses to this day.

New Delhi:

November 26, 2023 marks the somber 17-year anniversary since Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists orchestrated devastating attacks across Mumbai, India's financial hub, on November 26, 2008.

Known widely as 26/11, these meticulously planned assaults carried out by 10 terrorists sent profound shockwaves throughout India and across the globe. The attackers infiltrated Mumbai via sea routes on the night of November 26, 2008, and during their four-day rampage, claimed 166 lives and wounded 300 individuals in some of the city's most populated areas.

The terrorists strategically selected targets after thorough reconnaissance to ensure maximum impact. These included the prestigious Taj and Oberoi Hotels, the busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Nariman House Jewish center, Cama Hospital, Metro Cinema, and Leopold Cafe - locations frequented by foreign nationals and Mumbai's working population.

The trauma inflicted by this tragedy continues to affect those who experienced it firsthand and families who suffered irreparable losses. Physical reminders persist throughout the city: bullet holes still visible at Leopold Cafe and Nariman House, the memorial bust of Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble who sacrificed his life capturing Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab (the only terrorist taken alive), and the streets of South Mumbai that silently commemorate the horrific attacks.

Nine LeT terrorists were killed during the attacks, while Kasab was captured. Following his trial, Kasab received a death sentence in May 2010 and was executed two years later at a high-security facility in Pune.

The 26/11 attacks, particularly in light of the recent Delhi bombing on November 10 this year, serve as a stark reminder of lessons learned regarding national security and India's firm 'zero tolerance' stance against terrorism.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, NSG Mumbai will host a memorial ceremony titled 'Neverever' at the Gateway of India today, honoring martyrs, survivors, and all victims of the 26/11 attacks. This event reinforces the collective determination to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

A dedicated memorial area will display photographs and names of heroes and victims, featuring floral tributes and candles. The ceremony will introduce an innovative 'Living Memorial' created from homage candle wax to be preserved for future commemorations. Additionally, 11 colleges and 26 schools across Mumbai will conduct pledge ceremonies under the 'Neverever' theme, strengthening youth commitment to peace, vigilance, and national security.

As darkness falls, the Gateway of India will be illuminated in India's tricolor alongside the word 'Neverever'.

In recent developments, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested additional information from the United States government regarding 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) process in October. These supplementary inquiries followed Rana's interrogation after his extradition to India, potentially advancing the investigation into the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.