The Martyrs of 26/11: Remembering the Heroes of Mumbai Attacks

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which began on November 26, 2008, and lasted for three days, remain one of the most devastating terror strikes in Indian history. The attacks claimed the lives of 166 people and injured over 300, leaving the nation in shock and grief. Amidst the chaos, countless acts of courage emerged, with security personnel, first responders, and civilians putting their lives on the line to protect others. Tragically, many of these brave souls made the ultimate sacrifice.

This article pays tribute to the martyrs of 26/11 who died defending the city and its citizens.

Overview of the Attack

The attacks were carried out by ten terrorists from the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The group targeted multiple high-profile locations across Mumbai, including:

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)
  • The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
  • Oberoi-Trident Hotel
  • Nariman (Chabad) House
  • Leopold Café
  • Cama Hospital

The objective was clear: to unleash terror and inflict maximum damage. The attacks were planned meticulously, with the terrorists armed with AK-47s, grenades, and other weapons.

Amidst this carnage, the bravery of the Indian security forces, including the Mumbai Police, National Security Guard (NSG), Marine Commandos (MARCOS), and other agencies, stood out. Many officers and personnel laid down their lives to neutralize the terrorists and rescue civilians.

The Martyrs of 26/11

Below is a list of some of the most notable heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during the attacks:

1. Hemant Karkare (Chief of Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad)

  • Role: Chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
  • Contribution: Hemant Karkare was one of the first responders to the attacks. Leading his team, he rushed to Cama Hospital, where the terrorists had ambushed several police personnel. Despite the danger, Karkare valiantly confronted the attackers.
  • Sacrifice: Karkare was ambushed and killed near Rang Bhavan Lane, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
  • Legacy: He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his bravery.

2. Ashok Kamte (Additional Commissioner of Police)

  • Role: A senior officer in the Mumbai Police.
  • Contribution: Kamte joined Hemant Karkare and Vijay Salaskar in pursuing the terrorists near Cama Hospital. Known for his sharp tactical skills, he played a crucial role in organizing the initial response to the attacks.
  • Sacrifice: Kamte was shot and killed in an ambush near the rear gate of Cama Hospital.
  • Legacy: His leadership and sacrifice remain a source of inspiration for law enforcement officers.

3. Vijay Salaskar (Senior Inspector, Mumbai Police)

  • Role: Renowned encounter specialist in the Mumbai Police.
  • Contribution: Salaskar was part of the team that confronted the terrorists near Cama Hospital. His expertise in handling dangerous situations was instrumental in containing the initial phase of the attacks.
  • Sacrifice: He was killed in the ambush that also claimed the lives of Karkare and Kamte.
  • Legacy: Salaskar’s fearlessness earned him the Ashoka Chakra, posthumously.

4. Tukaram Omble (Assistant Sub-Inspector, Mumbai Police)

  • Role: ASI in the Mumbai Police.
  • Contribution: Tukaram Omble’s extraordinary bravery during the Girgaum Chowpatty confrontation is one of the most celebrated stories of the attack. Armed only with a lathi, he grabbed the barrel of Ajmal Kasab’s AK-47, preventing him from firing further.
  • Sacrifice: Omble was shot multiple times during this act of selflessness but ensured Kasab’s capture alive. This led to crucial evidence linking the attack to Pakistan.
  • Legacy: He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his unparalleled bravery.

5. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan (NSG Commando)

  • Role: Team Commander in the National Security Guard.
  • Contribution: Major Unnikrishnan led the NSG operations at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to rescue hostages and eliminate terrorists. He fearlessly guided his team during the mission and shielded injured colleagues.
  • Sacrifice: While pursuing terrorists to the upper floors of the hotel, he sustained fatal injuries during a firefight.
  • Legacy: His last words, “Do not come up, I will handle them,” symbolize his courage. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra.

6. Gajendra Singh Bisht (NSG Commando)

  • Role: NSG commando part of the rescue operation at Nariman House.
  • Contribution: Bisht played a critical role in storming Nariman House, where hostages were held. His efforts helped secure parts of the building.
  • Sacrifice: Bisht was killed during a gunfight with terrorists while attempting to rescue hostages.
  • Legacy: His courage in the face of extreme danger is remembered as an example of the NSG’s dedication.

Other Brave Police Personnel

Several members of the Mumbai Police also lost their lives while trying to protect the city:

  1. Sub-Inspector Shashank Shinde: Killed while engaging terrorists at CST railway station.
  2. Constable Arun Chitte: Lost his life while protecting civilians during the attacks.
  3. Constable Ambadas Pawar: Ambushed by terrorists while responding to the attack.
  4. Inspector Durgude Bapurao: Mortally wounded in the line of duty.

Civilian Heroes

While many security personnel were martyred, several civilians also displayed extraordinary courage during the attacks:

  • Karambir Kang (General Manager, Taj Hotel): Though he survived, he lost his wife and two children in the fire set by terrorists. Kang continued to assist rescue operations despite his personal tragedy.
  • Hotel Staff at Taj and Oberoi: Numerous hotel employees stayed behind to help guests escape, even at the cost of their own lives.

Honoring the Martyrs

The sacrifices made during 26/11 are remembered through various tributes:

  1. Memorials: Several statues, plaques, and memorials have been erected in honor of the martyrs. The Mumbai Police has also established a dedicated 26/11 Memorial at the Mumbai Police Headquarters.
  2. Awards: Many of the martyrs were posthumously awarded gallantry medals, including the Ashoka Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
  3. Commemorative Events: Every year on November 26, the nation observes ceremonies to pay tribute to the victims and martyrs of the attacks.

Conclusion

The martyrs of 26/11 embodied the highest ideals of bravery, selflessness, and commitment to duty. Their actions saved countless lives and demonstrated the resilience and spirit of India in the face of terror. As we remember their sacrifices, it is essential to ensure that their legacy inspires future generations to uphold the values they stood for.

These heroes laid down their lives so that others could live. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the unyielding courage of those who confront it. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

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