THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF MUMBAI CARNAGE

India on 26-11-2010, remembered those who fell prey to the terrorist’s bullets at Mumbai on 26-11-2008. Twenty six foreign nationals were killed in the attack. Nine militants killed belonged to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist group based in Pakistan. Sixteen Indian security personnel had also been killed in the operation to flush out the terrorists who had holed up in the Taj Hotel holding many as hostage. When the carnage ended after three days one hundred and sixty six persons had lost their lives. Evidence gathered pointed to the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI.
The Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha observed a minutes silence in memory of the people killed in the attack.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in New Delhi, “Two years ago this day Mumbai was subjected to a brutal terrorist attack the claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people. The nation joins the bereaved families in remembering and mourning those who perished in this barbaric attack”. He also assured the nation that the government would double its efforts to bring the perpetrators of the inhuman crime against humanity to justice.
Union Home Mister Mr. P. Chidambaram laid a wreath at the martyr’s memorial at Police Gymghana at Mumbai. He said, “I sincerely hope that on the second anniversary of this horrific tragedy Pakistan will realize its responsibility as a nation as a government and fulfill its promised to bring to justice those who perpetrated the attacks”. The Minister also praised the bravery of Mr. Tukaram Ombale, the police man who was killed when he held Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist we were able to catch alive.
It may be recalled that it was the unarmed policeman Mr. Tukaram, who tried to stop the car carrying two of the terrorists. One was at the wheel and Kasab was sitting with his gun. Kasab got out of the car and fired at Tukaram killing him instantly. However, the brave policeman held on to Kasab and his colleagues overpowered him. Had Tukaram not stopped Kasab we would not have had the ‘living proof’ of the crime.
Chidambaram handed over the dealership of a CNG filling station at suburban Borivali to Tukaram’s family.
Prithviraj Chavan the Chief Minister of Maharastra speaking at the Gandhi Bhavan, said, “Innocent lives were lost. But damage was contained due to the bravery of our soldiers and police officers. We are indebted to them and their family members. It was because of the sacrifice of one of our police official that one of the terrorist was caught alive”.
The members of the family of the slain police officials were also there in Mumbai on the occasion.
Birendra Singh, brother of the slain NSG commando Mr. Gajendra Singh, said, “I have seen that solemn remembrances are being organized in Mumbai and other places which are essential to remember and keep alive the memory of martyrs and their contribution to the country”
Father of another NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who had been killed by the terrorists at the Taj, cycled to Mumbai from Delhi in commemoration of his son’s bravery. Unnikrishnan participated in the peace march from the Nariman Point to the Gateway of India and released white balloons. The 62 year-old father proudly said, “The terrorists could kill only our body and not our soul. I have lost my only son but I am proud that he has given life for the country”.
About Ajaml Kasab he said, “Last year when I was in Mumbai I said that Kasab should die. This year I feel we must let Kasab live because it will strengthen our resolve to fight terrorism”.
Unnikrishnan and his wife Dhanalakshmi paid their tributes to the martyrs of the terror attack at the Chabad House.
Rabbi Nachman, father of Rabbi Gavriel who was killed at Chadad House, the Jewish centre, had this to say about Unnikrishnan, “Though it is a tragedy for the family that they have lost their son, one must not forget that Major Unnikrishnan sacrificed his life to save the lives of several people”.
Twenty surgeons of Bombay Hospital, who treated many of the injured in the shoot out launched a Terror Form on Friday
Hillary Clinton, The US Secretary of state observed “As the people of Mumbai gather in temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras and synagogues to honour those who perished on November 26,2008,they send a message of resolve, resilience and mutual respect that is far louder and more powerful than any terrorist’s guns”.
Mr. S.M. Krishna, India’s foreign minister who is Sri Lanka was reported to have said, “Once again I call upon Pakistan to dismantle the terror machine operasting with impunity in territories under its (Pakistan’s) control and bring to all the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to speedy justice”.
On Thursday, India issued a note to the Pakistan Embassy expressing disappointment and “lack of progress” in the trial of seven terrorists arrested in Pakistan. India also urged Pakistan to “fulfill its obligations and commitment”
Meanwhile Pakistan on Friday expressed its determination to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice soon. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pak Foreign Minister was reported to have said “It is our desire to punish those people who are involved in this”. He also said Pakistan was co-operating with India in the investigations.
However, nothing concrete has happened to bring the culprits to justice. Kasab the lone terrorist nabbed and kept in the prison has narrated their journey from Pakistan to India in graphic detail. “Kubeer”, the trawler that the terrorists hijacked to come to Mumbai is there at Porbandar for everyone to see.
Immediately after the attack Pakistan had washed its hands off the carnage saying that it had noting to do with it. It even rejected the claim of Kasab that he was a Pakistani national. However, his father identified Kasab when his photos appeared in the press.
The West also expressed its concern and extended support to India. The US sent its FBI to assist India to gather evidence .Everything has pointed to the involvement of the Pakistani terrorists groups.
India has handed over many dossiers to Pakistan. But Pakistan’s Foreign Minister termed them as “mere literature not evidence”.
Now that the Americans are pressing Pakistan to take actions against the perpetrators let us hope that Pakistan would take some concert steps to bring the culprits to justice.