India marks 13 years of Mumbai terror attack, mourn victims

India this weekend marked the 13th anniversary of November 26, 2008 terror attack in Mumbai with heart-wrenching tributes in honour of the victims. 

Now infamously called 26/11, the ghastly attacks lasted for four days killing 166 people and injuring over 300.

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Some of the locations attacked by the terrorists were the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Hotel, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital and the Nariman House Jewish community centre.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the memorial anniversary in the Indian Parliament described 26/11 as a sad day for all Indian nationals across the world.

“26/11 is a sad day for us as enemies of country carried out terror incident in Mumbai,” the PM said.

Copies of the tributes were made available to journalists in Abuja by the Indian High Commission in Nigeria.

In his tribute, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, said the country would always be grateful to the security forces of India who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Leader of the Indian Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, hailed the heroes of the Mumbai attack.

“Protects the country by staying at the border away from the family in difficult weather, saves innocents by risking his own life during a terrorist attack.

“He cares about the world without bothering about his own life, our Jawan is the pride of the family, the village and the nation.

“Salute to the heroes of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks. Jai Hind,” Gandhi said.

Indian Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, said: “My tributes to everyone who lost their lives in those attacks. Our security forces displayed exemplary courage during the 26/11 attacks. I salute their bravery and sacrifice.”

Union Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, praised the confidence displayed by the security agencies of India who acted bravely by countering the terrorists.

“Heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives in the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks and salute the courage of all the security personnel who bravely faced the terrorists in the cowardly attacks.

“The whole nation will remain proud of your bravery. A grateful nation will always be indebted to your sacrifice,” Shah said.

Mumbai Police Commissioner, Hemant Nagrale, said on social media that “13 years have passed, yet their courage in face of extreme adversities still inspires us. Remembering Mumbai’s saviours on the anniversary of 26/11.”