New Delhi : On the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with several prominent leaders, paid tribute to the victims and security personnel who lost their lives in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India’s history. The coordinated strikes, carried out by ten operatives of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted multiple key locations in Mumbai, including the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), Leopold Cafe, Nariman House, and several others.
The three-day assault, which began on November 26, 2008, claimed the lives of 166 people, including 20 security personnel, and left over 300 others injured. Among the victims were 26 foreign nationals. The brutal attacks shook the country and the world, highlighting the growing threat of international terrorism and the vulnerability of soft targets.
Home Minister Amit Shah’s Tribute and India’s Zero-Tolerance Policy on Terrorism
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences and praised the courage of the victims, survivors, and the security forces who responded with immense bravery. “On this day in 2008, cowardly terrorists shamed humanity by killing innocent people in Mumbai. I pay my emotional tribute to the soldiers who attained martyrdom while fighting terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and salute those who lost their lives,” Shah wrote.
He also reiterated the government’s unwavering stance against terrorism, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in shaping India’s tough anti-terrorism policies. Shah stressed that under the Modi government, India has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards terrorism. “Terrorism is a blot on the entire human civilisation. The Modi government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism has been appreciated by the entire world, and today India has become a world leader in anti-terrorism initiatives,” he said.
BJP President J.P. Nadda Pays Homage to Martyrs
BJP National President J.P. Nadda also paid tribute to the victims and security personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. “I pay my heartfelt tribute and salute all the brave soldiers, policemen, and innocent citizens who made the supreme sacrifice for the country in the cowardly terrorist attack on 26/11 in Mumbai,” Nadda wrote on X. He also underscored the importance of India’s strong anti-terrorism stance under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, stating, “Today, the tough anti-terrorism policy and global initiative of the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made India a leader among the countries leading the anti-terrorism campaign, along with making it safe.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his solemn respect for those who lost their lives during the attacks. In a post on X, Singh wrote: “On the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the nation remembers those who lost their lives that fateful day. We pay homage to the security personnel who fought with utmost courage and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We remember, and we will never forget those wounds.”
Singh emphasized the bravery of the security forces who put their lives on the line to protect innocent civilians and prevent further casualties during the attack.
A Day of Reflection on National Security
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks remain a stark reminder of the threat posed by terrorism to national security and the importance of robust counter-terrorism measures. The attack not only exposed vulnerabilities in India’s security systems but also prompted major changes in counter-terrorism strategies and intelligence-sharing mechanisms between India and the global community.
As the nation marks the 16th anniversary of the tragedy, leaders across India have reiterated their commitment to strengthening security, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and ensuring that such a horrific incident is never repeated. The unity and resilience displayed by the people of Mumbai, as well as the tireless efforts of the security personnel, continue to inspire the nation’s fight against terrorism.
In addition to paying homage to the victims, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism and reaffirm India’s resolve to combat it through global cooperation, technological advancements, and a firm commitment to justice.