The 26th of November 2008 is a day that will forever be remembered in India’s history as one of the most horrifying and tragic days. When we think about that day, we still get goosebumps, remembering the chaos, the terror, and the incredible courage shown by the people who fought against the attackers. On that day, Mumbai, which is known as the financial capital of India, was shaken by a series of well planned attacks. These attacks led to the tragic loss of 166 innocent lives.

How did it happen?

The attacks began in the evening on 26th November and continued until 29th November, with ten terrorists from the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) storming several locations in Mumbai. They came by sea after hijacking a fishing boat and then split into small groups to carry out attacks in different locations. Some of the main places they attacked were the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), Leopold Café, and Nariman House. These were busy places full of people, and the attacks caused panic and fear everywhere.

The attackers

The ten terrorists, mostly young men, came from Pakistan, and they were trained to carry out these attacks by the Lashkar-e-Taiba group. Armed with sophisticated weapons, the attackers killed anyone they came across, spreading terror and fear. Their mission was to create chaos and disrupt the city, and they succeeded, at least for a while.

Why did they attack?

The reasons behind the 26/11 attacks are tied to the larger issue of terrorism. Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group behind the attacks, had been active in the region for years. Their goal was to spread extreme ideas and attack India. The terrorists were specially trained and sent to carry out these deadly attacks, spreading fear and trying to send a message. They chose to target famous places in Mumbai, which were not only popular but also represented India’s success and growth.

26/11 Anniversary: What happened during the Mumbai terror attacks

Who were the heroes of 26/11?

Tukaram Omble: A Mumbai Police officer, Omble, became a hero when he captured one of the attackers, Ajmal Kasab, alive. Even though Omble was unarmed and was shot by Kasab, he held onto the terrorist's rifle long enough for other officers to arrest him. His bravery was key in making sure the only surviving attacker was brought to justice.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan: A National Security Guard (NSG) officer, Major Unnikrishnan led his team to flush out terrorists from the Taj Hotel. Tragically, he lost his life in the process, but his bravery saved countless others. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

Hemant Karkare, the chief of the Anti-Terrorist Squad, was leading the operation at the Taj Hotel when he was killed in an attack by the terrorists. He was with two other officers, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar, who also died in the ambush. Karkare’s courage and leadership are still remembered today.

Karambir Singh Kang: The General Manager of the Taj Hotel, Kang, experienced a heartbreaking loss as his wife and children were trapped inside the hotel during the attack. Despite this personal tragedy, he stayed calm and worked with the authorities to help save as many people as he could.

Mallika Jagad: Mallika, the banquet manager at the Taj, played an important role in keeping the guests safe. She locked the doors, turned off the lights, and helped keep everyone calm during the chaos of the attack.

Thomas Varghese: Thomas Varghese, a senior waiter at the Wasabi restaurant in the Taj, showed great bravery when he helped guests escape to safety. He was the last person to leave the restaurant, and the terrorists shot him as he was helping others.

The impact of the attacks

The 26/11 attacks shocked Mumbai and all of India. It showed everyone how dangerous terrorism is and highlighted the need for stronger security. People across the country mourned the lives lost and praised the heroes who saved others.

After the attacks, there were many changes to improve safety in hotels, public places, and train stations. The attacks also made intelligence agencies work together more closely to fight terrorism better.

Remembering the victims and heroes

Today, 16 years later, the memory of 26/11 is still fresh in the minds of the people who lived through it. Every year, on this day, India remembers the 166 people who lost their lives, including innocent civilians, security personnel, and brave heroes who fought to save others.

From the President of India to ordinary citizens, tributes are paid to the victims and heroes of that fateful day. While the pain of that day will never fully go away, the courage and spirit shown by the people of Mumbai and India will always inspire generations to come.

On this day, let’s remember not just the victims but also the many heroes whose actions saved countless lives. Their courage shows that even in the face of terror, the strength of the human spirit can overcome anything.