The 26/11 Mumbai Attack: A Devastating Assault

Mumbai Terrorist Attacks of 2008

The 26/11 Mumbai Attack by terrorists from pakistan (26-28 November 2008) in Mumbai, Maharashtra shook the world to its core. Multiple terrorist attacks, devastating havoc, shuddered voices, agonizing pain and the loss of thousands of innocent lives. India remembers 26th November as a black day. 10 terrorists attacked the Taj Hotel, Nariman House, Hotel Oberoi and several other places in Mumbai. On this day, perpetrators brutally killed hundreds of people. It continued for three days, and they eventually encountered all of them.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks affected India on various fronts – political, global and economic. There was havoc in the political entities. Forced to resign, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh stepped down. The attack affected India, which was facing a recession. Exports and businesses witness downfall thereby adversely impacting the Indian economy.

26/11 Attack Date

The devastating incident of the 26/11 attack date shook the entire nation when 10 Pakistani terrorists routed India by sea on an inflatable boat. Sent by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, these 10 young men started firing indiscriminately in Mumbai. These men carried weapons like assault rifles, grenades and improvised explosive devices. This horrific incident went on for three days. These terrorists ended up destroying the city and brought Mumbai to its knees. Over three days, perpetrators killed more than 170 people – including 13 security pupils – injured over 300 people, and eventually caused damage to properties and infrastructure worth crores.

Why did the 2008 Mumbai attacks happen?

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization, carried out the 2008 Mumbai attacks, motivated by a complex interplay of factors. Although investigators are still examining the specific details of the planning and execution, they believe some key motivations include:

• Destabilizing India- Pakistan Relations: LeT and its supporters aimed to provoke a violent response from India that could escalate into a full-blown war with Pakistan. This, in turn, could have disrupted NATO operations in Afghanistan and potentially provided a distraction for al-Qaeda, which had close ties to LeT.
• Anti-India Sentiment: LeT and its supporters harbor deep-seated animosity towards India, fueled by historical and political tensions. The attacks were intended to inflict significant damage on India’s economy, infrastructure, and national morale.

It’s important to note that the full extent of the motivations and planning behind the attacks remains a matter of ongoing investigation and analysis.

2008 Mumbai Attacks Locations

For three days, unidentified assailants damaged various properties and locations in Mumbai. Eight locations encountered bomb blasts and attacks. The 2008 Mumbai attacks locations include;

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
• The Oberoi Trident
• The Taj Palace and Tower
• The Leopold Cafe
• The Cama Hospital
• The Nariman House
• The Metro Cinema
• St. Xavier’s College

Some of the explosions also occurred at Mazgaon, Mumbai’s port area, a lane behind the Times of India Magazine building and in a taxi at Vile Parle.

Every place except for the Taj Hotel was occupied and secured by police and security forces by the early morning of 28 November. The National Security Guards (NSG) of India were all set to conduct Operation Black Tornado on 29th November. This mission objective was to capture the remaining assailants. Security forces eventually caught all 10 terrorists. The series of attacks in Mumbai came to an end with the death of the last attackers at the Taj Hotel.

Events of November 26–29, 2008

The 26/11 Mumbai Attack backed by 8 events happened one after the other in a specific order. Firstly, the terrorists hijacked an Indian fishing boat. They killed 5 men on board after that. The first event is estimated to have occurred at 20:00 IST on 26th November. These 10 men headed two different ways as per the reports of fishermen at the port.

Location 1: Leopold Cafe

The Leopold Cafe is a popular restaurant in Mumbai. Shoaib alias Soheb and Nazir alias Abu Umer attacked it on 26th November between 21:30 and 21:48 IST, resulting in the death of 10 people, including international travellers, and injuring many others.

Location 2: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

After 21:30 IST on 26th November, Ismail Khan and Ajmal Kasab attacked Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The attack started when these two men entered the passenger hall and started shooting everyone. They killed 58 people and left 104 injured. The railway announcer, Vishnu Zende, alerted the passengers, thus saving many lives of people at CST. The attackers ended the assault around 22:45.

Location 3: Cama Hospital

Two attackers, Ismail Khan and Ajmal Kasab, stride towards Cama Hospital with the intent to kill the patients. However, the hospital staff got alert and locked all the patient wards. Two of them tried to seize the police vehicle in the lane next to the hospital but eventually seized a passenger car instead. The police force lost Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Ashok Kamte, and Tukaram Omble in an operation to catch both attackers. During the encounter, Khan was killed, and they caught Kasab.

Location 4: Bomb Blasts in Taxis

They fixed time bombs in two taxisThe first bomb blast happened between 22:20 and 22:25 at Wadi Bunder. Three people, including the driver, were killed. Fifteen people sustained injuries. The second bomb blast occurred at 22:40 in Vile Parle, killing the driver and a passenger.

Location 5: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

The Taj Hotel Mumbai attack encountered six explosions. An explosion happened in the lobby, two in the elevators, and three in the restaurant. Firefighters rescued the 200 hostages at the Taj. The total number of Taj Hotel Attack survivors was 300.

Location 6: Oberoi Trident

An explosion happened in the hotel Oberoi Trident. Two gunmen captured the hotel. Abdul Rehman and Abu Fahad killed over 32 people at the hotel and took 143 people hostage. 22 guests and 10 hotel staff were killed in the incident.

Location 7: Nariman House

Nariman House is a Jewish Centre in Colaba. Two attackers held numerous residents as hostages. A special NSG force was summoned from Delhi, and a naval helicopter conducted an aerial survey. During the first day, the first floor saw the rescue of 9 hostages. The following day was full of NSG commands roping from a helicopter into the building covered with snipers. After the battle, an NSG commando, Sergeant Gajender Singh Bisht, was killed. Moreover, 5 hostages were killed inside the house.

The Terrorist Attackers

Initially, an unknown group named Mujahideen Hyderabad Deccan cited itself as responsible for the Mumbai attacks. However, investigators traced it back to a computer in Pakistan and proved that no such group existed.

Many believed that the Islamic militant group al-Qaeda organized the Mumbai Terror Attacks in 2008. The arrest of terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab provided significant information about the planning and execution of the attacks. Kasab cited that 10 young terrorists, including him, underwent long guerrilla warfare training in the camps of Lashkar-e-Taiba. He also told the investigators that his team spent time at the headquarters of Jamaat-ud-Dawa in Muridke before travelling from Punjab to Karachi and heading towards Mumbai.

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26/11 Terrorists and Names

10 young terrorists came to Mumbai. Security forces later caught and killed these attackers. However, only one terrorist survived named Ajmal Kasab. During the onslaught, security forces killed the other nine attackers.

These nine attackers were:

• Hafiz Arshad alias
• Abdul Rehman Bada
• Abdul Rahman Chhota
• Javed alias Abu Ali
• Fahadullah alias Abu Fahad
• Ismail Khan alias Abu Ismail
• Babar Imran alias Abu Akasha
• Nasir alias Abu Umar
• Shoaib alias Abu Soheb

Government Initiatives

The 2008 Mumbai attack served as a stark wake-up call for India’s security apparatus. In response, the government undertook a series of significant initiatives to bolster its defenses against future threats:

• Enhanced Coastal Security: Recognizing the vulnerability of India’s vast coastline, the government prioritized coastal security. This involved increased collaboration between the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police to strengthen surveillance and patrol efforts.
• National Investigation Agency (NIA): To effectively investigate and counter terrorism, the NIA was established in 2009. This specialized agency possesses the authority and resources to investigate terror-related offenses across India.
• National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Recognizing the need for improved intelligence sharing, the NATGRID was formed. This centralized database aims to integrate information from various agencies, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of potential threats.
• National Security Guard (NSG) Expansion: Four new operational hubs for the NSG, India’s elite counter-terrorism force, were created. This strategic deployment allows for a swifter response to terror attacks in different regions.
• Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) Strengthening: The MAC, operating under the Intelligence Bureau, was further empowered. This center plays a crucial role in coordinating intelligence gathering and analysis among various agencies.
• Joint Operations Centre (Navy): To ensure vigilance over India’s extensive coastline, the Navy established a dedicated Joint Operations Centre. This center facilitates real-time monitoring and coordinated responses to maritime threats.

India’s Connections with Pakistan After Mumbai Attack

The 26/11 Mumbai Attack soured India’s connections with Pakistan. It directly affected the peace between India and Pakistan. After knowing the source of the attack within Pakistan’s territory, India requested the presence of the director general of Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Pakistan agreed initially but subsequently backpedalled. It offered India to let them send a representative of the director general. This led India to discontinue business with Pakistan. India later cancelled its cricket team’s tour of Pakistan scheduled for January–February 2009.

Reaction in India

The Mumbai attacks revealed significant loopholes in India’s security system. Reports cited that India had previously encountered intelligence warnings, yet the authorities made no substantial efforts to address the lack of actionable intelligence. Other issues included the delay in the deployment of NSG. The team reached 10 hours after the first attack. The lack of coordination between the Central and State governments was also a huge issue during the attacks. After immense critical comments, India’s then Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, resigned on November 30, 2008. The government made amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which now incorporates stringent mechanisms to contain and investigate terrorism.

Impact on Mumbai and India of Mumbai attack

Long-term Effects on Tourism and Economy

Tourism:

• Immediate Decline: Tourist arrivals dropped significantly after the attacks due to safety concerns.
• Recovery Efforts: Intensive marketing campaigns and security reassurances helped restore confidence over time.
• Long-term Changes: Increased emphasis on security in tourist areas and hotels.

Economy:

• Short-term Impact: Immediate financial losses in tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.
• Resilience and Recovery: Economic activity gradually rebounded, with investments in infrastructure and security enhancements.
• Increased Costs: Higher spending on security measures and insurance premiums.

Security Measures Implemented Post Mumbai Attacks

Enhanced Security Infrastructure:

• Surveillance Systems: Installation of advanced CCTV cameras and monitoring systems in public places.
• Intelligence Gathering: Strengthened intelligence networks and improved inter-agency coordination.

Counter-Terrorism Units:

• Special Forces: Creation and deployment of specialized counter-terrorism units, such as the National Security Guard (NSG) hubs in major cities.
• Training Programs: Regular training and drills for security personnel to handle terror situations.

Legislative and Policy Changes:

• National Investigation Agency (NIA): Establishment of the NIA to handle terrorism-related cases.
• Stringent Laws: Introduction of stricter anti-terrorism laws to facilitate swift action against suspects.

Public Awareness:

• Safety Protocols: Increased public awareness campaigns about safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Community Involvement: Encouragement of citizen participation in maintaining vigilance and reporting suspicious activities.

Media Coverage for Mumbai attack

How did Indian and International Media Cover the Events?

Indian Media:

• Live Coverage: Provided continuous real-time updates from attack sites.
• Expert Analysis: Featured insights from security experts and analysts.
• Emotional Impact: Showcased interviews with survivors and victims’ families.
• Public Response: Highlighted public vigils, protests, and calls for action.

International Media:

• Global Attention: Covered extensively by major outlets like BBC and CNN.
• Detailed Reports: Explored the conflict’s background and profiles of terrorists.
• Diplomatic Reactions: Included statements from world leaders and global organizations.

Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception

Awareness and Information:

• Immediate Awareness: Ensured global awareness of the situation.
• Detailed Information: Kept the public informed about developments and rescue operations.

Emotional Engagement:

• Human Stories: Focused on personal stories to humanize the tragedy.
• National Solidarity: Fostered unity and collective grief.

Public Pressure and Policy Change:

• Demand for Accountability: Pressured the government for decisive action.
• Policy Reforms: Led to significant changes in security and counter-terrorism measures.

International Perspective:

• Global Solidarity: Highlighted the global threat of terrorism, garnering international support.
• Diplomatic Impact: Influenced relations, particularly between India and Pakistan.

Heroes of 2008 Mumbai attacks

The Mumbai Terror Attack 2008 was a horrendous incident that shocked the entire world. Despite being a tragic event, the unity and resilience of Indians shine through. Every person tried their best to save their pupils from attackers. The nation pays tribute to all the martyrs and unsung heroes who shed their lives for the safety of citizens. Be it railway announcer Vishnu Zende or Police Chief Hemant Karkare, their zeal toward the nation will glorify the unity of Indians for good.

Position	Name	Details
Chief Minister of Maharashtra	Vilasrao Deshmukh	Announced the death of 15 policemen and two NSG commandos.
Assistant Police Sub-Inspector	Tukaram Omble	Captured a terrorist alive with his bare hands.
Joint Commissioner of Police	Hemant Karkare	Chief of the Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad.
Additional Commissioner of Police	Ashok Kamte
Senior Inspector	Vijay Salaskar	Encounter specialist.
Senior Inspector	Shashank Shinde
NSG Commando	Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
NSG Commando	Hawaldar Gajender Singh Bisht
Railway Officials of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus	N/A	Three officials were killed.

Lessons Learned: Security and Policy Changes Post Mumbai Attacks

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks led to significant security and policy reforms to bolster national safety. Enhanced surveillance infrastructure, including advanced CCTV systems, was implemented, and intelligence-sharing among agencies improved. Specialized counter-terrorism units, such as National Security Guard (NSG) hubs, were established in major cities, and regular training and drills for security forces were instituted. Legislative reforms included the creation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the enactment of stricter anti-terrorism laws. Public awareness campaigns and community vigilance programs were also launched to encourage citizen involvement in security efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mumbai attack