Mumbai on Wednesday observed the anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks, with tributes held across the city to remember the 166 people who were killed and the many who survived the four-day siege in 2008.
The National Security Guard (NSG) led the main ceremony at the Gateway of India, holding its annual ‘Neverever’ memorial to honour victims, police personnel and security forces. The event, attended by senior officials and families of the fallen, reaffirmed the resolve that such an assault ‘must never ever recur’.
In the morning, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the Shaheed Smriti Smarak at the Mumbai Police Commissionerate, where he offered floral tributes along with state ministers and top police leadership, including Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar also paid homage at the memorial, joining police officers and families who gathered to remember colleagues who died responding to the attacks.
Across the city, schools, colleges and civic institutions marked the day with pledge-taking ceremonies focused on peace, vigilance and national security. The Gateway of India is set to be illuminated in the tricolour later in the evening, with “Neverever” projected at the site.
| India remembers the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown on 26/11, honouring the #martyrs and the indomitable spirit of Mumbai. #MumbaiTerrorAttack #TerrorAttack #tribute #TheStatesman pic.x.com/AOFAMwmvDF
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‘No Indian has forgotten’
Meanwhile, remembering the anniversary, BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said the brutality of the attacks remains etched in public memory.
“17 years have passed. No Indian has forgotten the barbaric terror attacks… Hundreds of people died, police officers were killed, and all these things show that terrorism was paramount at that time. This is Pakistan’s strategy; Kasab confessed that he belongs to Pakistan, and that was also proved in court. Therefore, Pakistan’s hand was evident, and that is why our resolve to fight terrorism must be strengthened,” he said.
He also linked the anniversary to current security concerns, adding that the recent Delhi blast “is also a serious concern”, while praising agencies for foiling several plots and drone-based attempts.
“We must salute our forces, investigative agencies and the leadership of PM Modi,” he said.
Also Read: Mumbai 26/11: Never forget, never forgive
How India remembers 26/11, seventeen years on
The coordinated attacks by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba began late on November 26, 2008, when 10 armed terrorists arrived in Mumbai by sea. Over the next four days, they targeted the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House, Cama Hospital, Metro Cinema and Leopold Cafe.
By the time security forces ended the siege, 166 people had been killed and around 300 injured. The operation produced enduring symbols of courage, including ASI Tukaram Omble, who died while capturing the lone surviving gunman, Ajmal Amir Kasab. Kasab was later convicted and executed in 2012.
At several spots in the city, physical reminders of that night remain, from bullet marks to memorial plaques.
New additions: A ‘Living Memorial’
This year’s remembrance includes a new initiative: a “Living Memorial”, created from wax collected from homage candles and preserved for future commemorations. The NSG set up a memorial zone at the Gateway displaying photographs and names of all those who lost their lives.
Developments linked to the wider 26/11 plot
In a separate development connected to the long-running investigation, the National Investigation Agency has sought fresh details from the United States under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in the case involving Tahawwur Rana, who is believed to have played a role in the planning stages of the attacks. The request is expected to support ongoing probe work following Rana’s recent extradition to India.
As Mumbai paused to remember one of the darkest chapters in its history, officials reiterated that the city’s resilience and the sacrifices made on November 26, 2008, remain central to India’s fight against terrorism.