Nine years passes since 26/11, Prez remembers martyrs in battle against evil

To mark the day, the Mumbai Police organised a Salutation Ceremony to pay homage to the people killed on Nov 26, 2008 at the Shahid Smarak, Police Gymkhana at Marine Lines.

Remembering the deadly attack in 2008, President Ram Nath Kovind stated: "On the ninth anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks, we mourn with the families that lost their dear ones. And we recall with gratitude the security personnel who gave their lives in the battle against evil."

Taking a firm resolve to fight against terrorism, Kovind said: "On this day, we renew our resolve to take on, defeat and eliminate terrorism in all forms — and to make our people, our country and our world safer."

On Saturday, the Embassy of Israel in India expressed its deep condolences and solidarity with the people of India on the anniversary of the 'harrowing terror attack of 26/11 Mumbai attacks.'

Ambassador of Israel in India, Daniel Carmon said, “Together with India, the people of Israel mourn the victims from countries all over the globe including Israel, embrace their loved ones and the survivors. India and Israel, along with nations of the world, must do everything in their power to eradicate extremism and terrorism for a better future.”

Meanwhile, in a major setback to India and just days ahead of the anniversary, Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafeez Saeed, the leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), walked free from house arrest after a Pakistan court granted him independence.

The United States had also expressed 'deep concern' over the release of the JuD chief.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks were twelve coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai by members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Ajmal Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, later confessed upon interrogation that the attacks were conducted with the support of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Kasab was hanged on Nov 21, 2012 at Yerwada Jail in Pune.

The attacks, which drew widespread global condemnation, began on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2008 and lasted until Saturday, Nov 29, 2008, killing 164 people and wounding at least 308.

Eight of the attacks occurred in South Mumbai - at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital (a women and children's hospital), the Nariman House Jewish community centre, the Metro Cinema, and a lane behind the Times of India building and St. Xavier's College.

There was also an explosion at Mazagaon, in Mumbai's port area, and in a taxi at Vile Parle.