26/11 Mumbai Attack: On one hand, November 26 is remembered as Constitution Day, while on the other hand, this date is associated with a dark day which the people of India will hardly be able to forget. Yes, we are talking about the terrorist attack in Mumbai on 26 November 2008.
Today the country is celebrating the 16th anniversary of this terrorist attack, but the countrymen still shudder remembering this day. It was one of the largest terrorist attacks in the history of independent India. In this attack, 166 people including 18 security personnel were killed and more than 300 people were injured. The terrorists had targeted the Taj Hotel in Mumbai, one of the safest places in the country.
The terrorists had reached Mumbai by sea in the guise of fishermen.
All 10 terrorists had left for Mumbai in a boat from Karachi, Pakistan. They entered Mumbai by sea. To deceive the Indian Navy they hijacked an Indian boat en route and killed everyone on board. Using this boat, they landed at the fish market near Colaba at around 8 pm. Local fishermen also became suspicious of him. He also informed the police about this, but the police took it lightly. On November 26, he first investigated every place in Mumbai and in the evening set out to execute his nefarious plans.
First attack on Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal
From Colaba, the terrorists took taxis in groups of 4-4 and proceeded towards their respective destinations. A group of terrorists reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal Railway Station at 9:30 pm. Everyone had AK-47 rifles in their hands and they started firing indiscriminately. Ajmal Kasab was also among these attackers. He was captured alive by the security forces and was hanged. As soon as the police came out on the firing incident at CST railway station. There were also reports of firing in Vile Parle area.
The operation lasted for three days, NSG commandos were called
Terrorists targeted many famous places of Mumbai that night. Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel and Nariman House, which are among the world class hotels of Mumbai, were targeted. The terrorists completely destroyed the Taj Hotel, considered the pride of Mumbai. The encounter between security forces and terrorists continued for three days. Police and army operations were also failing. Then NSG commandos were called. NSG commandos killed all the terrorists. Because of his bravery this crisis that befell India was averted.
26 /11Hamlo inspired to implement legal reforms
The November 2008 Mumbai attacks prompted the Indian government to implement significant institutional and legal reforms aimed at combating terrorism more effectively. On December 17, 2008, the Indian Parliament approved the establishment of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), a federal entity created to combat terrorism, similar to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, Parliament amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to include more stringent provisions for prevention and investigation of terrorist activities.
Although the Mumbai attacks were often compared to the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, they resulted in fewer casualties and had a smaller financial impact. Nevertheless, these events ignited an intense national and international response, leading to global demands for better counterterrorism strategies.