By Katherine Reed 
On the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, national leaders paid homage to the victims and security personnel who lost their lives in one of India’s darkest days.
Nation Remembers the Heroes of 26/11
President Droupadi Murmu honoured the brave soldiers and citizens who sacrificed their lives. She said the nation remembers their “supreme sacrifice with gratitude” and urged everyone to stay committed to combating terrorism in all forms. She added that India must move forward with unity to build a stronger and more secure nation.
Amit Shah Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Terrorism
Home Minister Amit Shah underlined the government’s firm stance against terrorism. He stated that India’s zero-tolerance approach is now gaining recognition worldwide.
Shah recalled the events of 26 November 2008, calling the attack “cowardly” and “inhuman”. He paid tribute to the security forces who fought bravely and remembered the civilians who lost their lives. He wrote that terrorism threatens not just a single country but the entire human race.
Rajnath Singh and Rahul Gandhi Pay Homage
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed their respect. Rahul Gandhi said India would “never forget the courage and sacrifice” of the martyrs who defended Mumbai.
Locations Targeted
According to reports, the attackers chose high-impact locations across Mumbai, including:
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Oberoi Trident Hotel
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
- Nariman House (Jewish centre)
- Leopold Cafe
- Metro Cinema
- Cama Hospital
These spots were frequented by tourists, office workers, and international visitors, increasing the scale of the tragedy.
What Happened on 26/11?
The 2008 Mumbai attacks were carried out by a group of 10 terrorists who entered India by sea. Over four days, they targeted crowded public places and iconic landmarks. The attacks killed 166 people and injured more than 300.
Remembering the Brave
The city still carries physical reminders of the attack. Bullet marks at Leopold Cafe and Nariman House, and the bust of ASI Tukaram Omble — who died while capturing terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive — stand as symbols of extraordinary bravery.
Aftermath
Nine terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed during the operation. Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving attacker, was captured, convicted, and sentenced to death. He was executed in 2012 in a high-security prison in Pune.