Nation pays homage to 26/11 martyrs, victims
Two years after 10 Pakistani terrorists unleashed mayhem killing 166 people in Mumbai, India pays homage to victims of the audacious 26/11 attack. PM also pledged to redouble efforts to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice. We are in this alone
Two years after 10 Pakistani terrorists unleashed mayhem killing 166 people in Mumbai, the city today paid homage to victims of the audacious 26/11 attack that stunned the world.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Home Minister RR Patil, other ministers, top police and civil officials laid wreaths at the martyrs memorial at the police headquarters in south Mumbai.
The Mumbai Police along with the elite Force One and Quick Response Team also took out a parade at the Marine Drive seafront, showcasing their power and might.
Later in the day, union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will pay homage along with union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Chavan at a function at the Magathane CNG Station in Borivali east, northwest Mumbai.
Chidambaram is likely to make an announcement allotting the filling station to one of the 17 martyrs of the terror attacks.
Several commemorative functions and campaigns have been planned in different parts of the city to mark the day when Mumbai suffered its worst terror attack till date.
Brief prayer services are being held at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Hotel Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Hotel Trident-Oberoi - the sites of the terror attacks.
In New Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan joined the nation in remembering those killed in the Mumbai terror attacks and pledged to redouble efforts to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.
"On this day of remembrance, we salute the courage, unity and the resolve of ordinary Mumbaikars and the brave and
selfless action of our men in uniform during the attack," he said in a statement.
Singh said, "It is this spirit and strength of character of the Indian people that will defeat such forces that seek to threaten our social fabric and way of life".
"We will never succumb to the designs of our enemies. We pledge to redouble our efforts to bring the perpetrators of
this crime against humanity to justice," he said.
Noting that Mumbai was subjected to a brutal terrorist attack that claimed the life of hundreds of innocent people,
he said the nation joins the bereaved families in remembering and mourning those who perished in this barbaric attack.
On November 26, 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists held Mumbai hostage, killing 166 people and shocking the world. Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive after the 60-hour audacious attack, was sentenced to death in May this year by a special court.
(With IANS and PTI inputs)