26/11: In November 2008, Mumbai witnessed a wave of terror as 10 members of the militant Islamist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks over four harrowing days. The attacks, infamously known as the 26/11 attacks, unfolded across prominent locations in South Mumbai, leaving 175 people dead and over 300 injured.
The onslaught targeted iconic landmarks like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Palace & Tower, the Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, Nariman House, Metro Cinema, and areas near the Times of India building and St. Xavier’s College. The Mumbai Police and security forces, by the early morning of November 28, managed to secure all sites except the Taj Hotel, where the final confrontation unfolded.
Operation Black Tornado, executed by India’s National Security Guards (NSG) on November 29, brought an end to the attacks, culminating in the elimination of the remaining attackers at the Taj Hotel. Among the attackers, Ajmal Kasab, the sole survivor, revealed their affiliation with Lashkar-e-Taiba and their control from Pakistan, aligning with initial claims by the Indian Government.
The aftermath saw Pakistan acknowledging the involvement of its citizen, Ajmal Kasab, and subsequent confirmation of the attackers’ links to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Shockingly, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the primary mastermind, was released on bail in 2015, raising concerns about accountability.
Fast forward to 2022, and one of the alleged masterminds, Sajid Majeed Mir, previously declared dead by the Pakistan Government, faced conviction for funding terrorist activities in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan. The complexities of this tragic event continue to unravel, highlighting the challenges in addressing cross-border terrorism.
Background: A History of Mumbai’s Struggle
This devastating event wasn’t isolated; Mumbai had witnessed a series of terrorist attacks since the coordinated bombings in 1993 that claimed 257 lives. The 1993 attacks were fueled by revenge for the Bombay riots, where a significant number of Muslims lost their lives.
Subsequent incidents, such as the 2002 blast near Ghatkopar station and the 2006 Suburban Railway bombings, reflected the ongoing threat. The recurrent strikes underscored the city’s vulnerability, prompting serious concerns about counter-terrorism measures and regional stability.
As Mumbai grapples with its traumatic past, the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism becomes increasingly evident. The 2008 Mumbai attacks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges nations face in ensuring the safety and security of their citizens in an interconnected world.
