26th November referred to as 26/11 is an unfortunate day remembered across India and peace loving around the world for the terror attack happened in India’s economic capital Mumbai four years back in 2008. As per official statistics around 166 people lost their lives including 21 foreigners during the 60 hours battle which begun on 26th November (Wednesday) and lasted on 29th November (Sunday). At least 308 people received injuries during the deadly attack of terrorists. In the evening of 26th November, 2008, the terrorists who have reached Mumbai through Arabian Sea on boats and attacked people at many places of Mumbai.
The terrorists attack eight spots in South Mumbai that includes Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminal), Cama Hospital, Leopold Café, Metro Cinema, Nariman House Jewish Community Centre and St. Xavier’s College. An explosion was also done at Mazagaon, in Mumbai's port area, and in a taxi at Vile Parle. By the early morning of 28th November, all sites of Mumbai except Taj Hotel had been secured by Mumbai Police and security forces. On 29th November, India's National Security Guards (NSG) conducted a special operation named as ‘Operation Black Tornado’ to secure the place from remaining attackers. The operation resulted in the deaths of the last remaining attackers at Taj Hotel and ending all fighting in the attacks.
The terrorist attack on Mumbai was globally condemned and Ajmal Kasab the lone terrorist was caught live by the police. Later on during interrogation Ajmal Kasab disclosed that the attackers on Mumbai were members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based militant organisation, which is considered a terrorist organization. In response to Mumbai attacks the Indian government said that the terrorists came from Pakistan, and their controllers were in Pakistan. On 7th January 2009, Pakistan's Information Minister Sherry Rehman officially accepted Ajmal Kasab's nationality as Pakistani. Further on 12 February 2009, Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik asserted that parts of the attack had been planned in Pakistan. A trial court on 6th May 2010 sentenced Ajmal Kasab to death on all the 86 charges for which he was convicted. On his appeal against this verdict, Bombay High Court on 21st February 2011 and Supreme Court of India on 29th August 2012 upheld his death punishment. Kasab was executed by hanging at Yerwada Jail in Pune on 21 November 2012.
Kasab’s execution was welcomed by the families of Mumbai attack victims, common people of India and people worldwide. A resident of Faridkot village in Pakistan, Kasab got the toughest punishment he deserved as per Indian constitution. 25-year-old Kasab was not deserving mercy because of his devilish (in-human) act, which left the whole humanity in shock. Just five days before the fourth anniversary of Mumbai attack, Kasab was punished and at least the sufferers got some sort of respite. However, the kingpin / masterminds of the Mumbai attacks are still at large and their puppet was hanged to death, while other 10 were killed during gun-battle with Mumbai police.
The Mumbai attack has left many unanswered questions as Pakistan is not ready to accept the allegations of India. The attack on Mumbai was of course blamed by many nations but hardly any country including the United States, which makes tall-claims against ‘War Against Terrorism’ came forward to find the proper solution. Till Kasab was alive the Indian government was having something in plate to show the victims of 26/11 attack. Now there is no Kasab, and India has left only with blaming LeT for the terrorist attack. The hanging of Kasan is not the end of road or eradicating the possibilities of terrorist attack in future in the country. The ‘War Against Terrorism’ can’t be won until and unless it is uprooted completely from its origin. However, the unclear stand of US and its self-motivated war against terrorism make the battle tough for India.
Need of the hour is that India should stand up and plan a proper strategy to fight the battle against terrorists. If we keep on eyeing US for support, it is not going to help the country and its people. The government, security agencies and police should keep a vigil eye to stop the terrorist attacks. At the same time, the residents of India should also be remain alert to avoid such attacks which take the valuable lives of countrymen.
