Mumbai paid tribute on Wednesday to the brave men and women who laid down their lives during the 2008 terror attacks, marking the 17th anniversary of one of the darkest days in India's history. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the remembrance ceremony at the Mumbai Police Headquarters, joined by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, state minister Ashish Shelar, and top police officials. Floral tributes were offered to the martyrs who fought valiantly against armed terrorists across the city.

Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, and family members of slain officers were present at the ceremony. They honored heroes such as Assistant Sub Inspector Tukaram Ombale, who sacrificed his life to capture terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive. Several citizens and officials later gathered at memorials across Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Cama Hospital, and the Gateway of India.

President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid their tributes, urging citizens to remain united against terrorism. President Murmu, in a message posted on X, expressed gratitude toward the martyrs and called upon the nation to reaffirm its commitment to defeating terrorism in every form. Amit Shah described terrorism as a curse against humanity and reiterated the Modi government’s policy of zero tolerance.

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International solidarity also marked the remembrance. The United States Embassy in India issued a statement honoring the victims and highlighted the extradition of Pakistani-born Tahawwur Hussain Rana for his involvement in the attacks. The embassy underscored continued cooperation with India in combating global terrorism and ensuring justice for the victims.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks, carried out by 10 terrorists from the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed 166 lives and injured over 300 people. The coordinated assaults on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident, CSMT station, and other locations changed India’s security framework forever. As the sun set over the Gateway of India on Wednesday, the National Security Guard hosted a “Neverever” memorial event, where citizens and families of victims renewed their pledge to never forget the heroes who protected the nation.

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