As India observes the 17th anniversary of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, memories of the horrific four-day siege continue to evoke deep pain and collective resolve. The coordinated attacks, carried out by 10 heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists from Pakistan, began on the night of November 26, 2008. By the time security forces ended the siege on November 29, 166 people had been killed and over 300 injured, leaving behind scars that remain etched in the nation’s memory.
🔥 A Night That Changed India Forever
The terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via the Arabian Sea, hijacking an Indian fishing vessel before docking at the city’s shoreline. Their targets were chosen with deadly precision:
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Oberoi Trident Hotel
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
- Leopold Café
- Nariman House (Chabad House)
- Metro Cinema & Cama Hospital
These locations were surveyed in advance to ensure maximum casualties and media impact, as they were frequented by international tourists and thousands of daily commuters.
The chilling CCTV footage from the railway station, the flames engulfing the Taj Hotel’s dome, and the gunshots echoing through South Mumbai remain some of the darkest visuals in modern Indian history.
🕊️ Heroes, Martyrs & Unbreakable Courage
While nine of the ten terrorists were killed, Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving attacker, was captured alive—thanks to the extraordinary bravery of Mumbai Police’s Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who sacrificed his life while restraining Kasab.
Other heroes included:
- NSG Commandos who ended the siege room-by-room
- Mumbai Police officers who rushed into danger without hesitation
- Civilians who helped save others even while risking their own lives
Kasab was later tried, convicted, and executed in 2012 at Yerawada Jail.
🏛️ Nation Pays Tribute: ‘Neverever’ Memorial in Mumbai
To honour the martyrs and victims, the National Security Guard (NSG) is holding a solemn ceremony themed ‘Neverever’ at the Gateway of India. The initiative includes:
- A dedicated memorial zone with photos and names of all martyrs
- Candle tributes and a “living memorial” created using wax from these candles
- Pledge ceremonies across 11 Mumbai colleges and 26 schools
- Tricolour illumination of the iconic Gateway of India
The theme underscores a collective vow:
Such an attack must never ever be allowed to happen again.
🕵️♂️ 26/11 Investigation: New Developments in 2025
In a significant update, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sought additional information on 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana from the United States under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). These questions come months after his extradition to India and are expected to aid the remaining components of the investigation.
The move signals India’s continued determination to bring every conspirator to justice, even 17 years after the attacks.
🔍 Why 26/11 Still Matters Today
The anniversary comes just weeks after the November 10 Red Fort blast, a stark reminder of the evolving nature of terrorism. Security forces emphasize that 26/11 reshaped India’s national security strategy, including:
- Strengthening coastal surveillance
- Modernising anti-terror response units
- Enhancing intelligence coordination
- Expanding urban warfare readiness
India continues to maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and its sponsors.
🤍 Scars That Time Cannot Heal
The bullet marks at Leopold Café remain untouched as a reminder. The renovated Taj Hotel retains a memorial to those lost. Families of victims continue to speak about loved ones whose absence still feels painfully fresh.
26/11 was not just an attack on Mumbai—it was an assault on India’s unity, resilience, and multicultural identity. And yet, the spirit of the city prevailed, proving once again why Mumbai is called the city that never stops.
