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The attacks, which received global outrage, began on Wednesday, November 26, and continued until Saturday, November 29, 2008.
Today marks the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks, a series of coordinated strikes at several locations in Mumbai, including the Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Leopold Cafe, Mumbai Chabad House, Nariman House, Cama Hospital, and Metro Cinema. The attacks were carried out by ten terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group.
At least 166 people, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals, lost their lives in the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and more than 300 others were injured. The terrorists, who came by sea from Pakistan, carried out the attacks with deadly precision.
On this somber occasion, leaders from across the nation, including President of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with citizens from all walks of life, are paying tribute to the 166 lives lost that day. While the pain of that tragic event endures, it is important to remember and honor the brave heroes who risked their lives to save countless others.
Here are some of the heroes who displayed extraordinary courage during the 26/11 attacks:
Tukaram Omble
Tukaram Omble, an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Mumbai Police, sacrificed his life during the 26/11 attacks. Despite being unarmed, Omble tried to capture terrorist Ajmal Kasab on the night of November 26, 2008. He was shot and killed at Girgaum Chowpatty in South Mumbai, but not before he ensured that Kasab was captured alive. In his final moments, Omble grappled with Kasab and clung to his rifle, allowing fellow officers to arrest the terrorist. Although Kasab fired several shots, Omble’s brave actions led to the capture of one of the attackers, and he succumbed to his bullet wounds.
16 Years Since 26/11: Honoring the Heroes of the Mumbai Terror Attacks
The 26/11 attacks, which garnered global condemnation, began on Wednesday, November 26, and lasted until Saturday, November 29, 2008. A total of 175 people were killed, including 9 terrorists and 166 victims.
On the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks, we remember the horrific series of coordinated terrorist assaults carried out by ten Lashkar-e-Taiba militants at various sites including the Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Leopold Cafe, Mumbai Chabad House, Nariman House, Cama Hospital, and Metro Cinema.
The attacks claimed the lives of at least 166 people, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals, and left over 300 injured. The terrorists arrived in Mumbai via sea route from Pakistan and unleashed terror across the city.
Today, citizens and leaders from all walks of life, including the President of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are paying tribute to the victims who lost their lives. While the pain of that tragic day endures, we also honor the selfless heroes who risked everything to save others. Below are some of the remarkable heroes from that day:
Tukaram Omble
Tukaram Omble, an Assistant Sub-Inspector with Mumbai Police, displayed extraordinary bravery during the 26/11 attacks. Despite being unarmed, he attempted to capture terrorist Ajmal Kasab on the night of November 26, 2008, at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai. Omble grappled with Kasab, holding onto his rifle even as he was shot multiple times. His actions enabled other officers to capture Kasab alive, and Omble succumbed to his injuries.
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a National Security Guard (NSG) commando, was leading an operation to flush out terrorists from the Taj Palace Hotel when he was fatally wounded. He died fighting to protect the lives of hostages. Major Unnikrishnan was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Hemant Karkare
Hemant Karkare, the Chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), was killed during an ambush near Cama Hospital. He was leading an operation at the Taj Hotel when he and two other officers, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar, were gunned down by terrorists. Karkare was shot three times in the chest, but his sacrifice remains etched in the nation’s memory.
Mallika Jagad
Mallika Jagad, the banquet manager at the Taj Palace Hotel, acted with remarkable calm and composure under extreme pressure. As terrorists opened fire and explosions rocked the hotel, Mallika and her team locked the doors, turned off the lights, and instructed guests to remain silent and calm. She kept reassuring them until the army arrived to help.
Karambir Singh Kang
Karambir Singh Kang, the General Manager of the Taj Hotel, faced unimaginable personal loss when his wife and children perished in the attack. Despite his grief, Kang continued to work relentlessly to help rescue guests and staff. His leadership and strength in the face of personal tragedy ensured that hundreds were saved.
Thomas Varghese
Thomas Varghese, a senior waiter at the Wasabi restaurant in the Taj Hotel, demonstrated extraordinary heroism. Amidst the chaos, he calmly instructed guests to crouch down for safety and led them to secure exits. Varghese made sure all the guests were evacuated before leaving. Tragically, he was shot and killed by terrorists as he made the ultimate sacrifice.
These are just a few of the many heroes who displayed courage and selflessness during the 26/11 attacks. Their actions saved countless lives and serve as an enduring symbol of resilience in the face of terror. Today, as we reflect on the pain and loss, we also honor their sacrifices and remember that the spirit of bravery they displayed will never be forgotten.
