This year marks the ninth anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in the Indian history. Nine years ago in 2008, a group of ten terrorists from the Laskar-e-Taiba attacked Mumbai, killing around 164 people and injuring over 305.
In the memory of martyrs of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack on its ninth anniversary, various events have been organised in the city today, including a `Salutation Ceremony' by the city police.
Soon after the attack, the Maharashtra police beefed up the security along the coastline which was believed to have had helped the terrorists to enter India. The forces after the attack upgraded the infrastructure of the security along the coastline and deployed more staffs.
But, even after nine years, 'justice' is still a dream for those who have lost their relatives or people who were close to them in the deadly terror attack.
The father of Devika, a survivor, told ANI he was happy with the punishment given to Ajmal Kasab, the Lashkar-e-Taiba operative who was sentenced to death for his role in the attack. But he said he wouldn't be satisfied until "the real mastermind sitting in Pakistan" was punished.
Devika Rotwan was at Mumbai's Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus with her father and her brother when two terrorists opened fire. She was shot in the right leg, and had to use crutches for a long time.
Devika was the youngest witness to depose in court, and identified Ajmal Kasab.
Today, she said Kasab was a "mosquito." She hopes "the big terrorists" will be brought to justice.
Mohd Taufeeq, an eyewitness, said, "I still get disturbed whenever I think of that moment(26/11 attacks). I rescued many injured people, situation was devastating. I am just waiting for the day the real mastermind sitting in Pakistan is caught.
Rahim Ansari, who lost 6 relatives in the attack said, "I went into depression after the incident, my relatives had no chance to escape. Happy that perpetrators were either killed or punished. Hafiz Saeed is in Pakistan, would be ideal if Indian Govt gets him here and punishes him."
The Mumbai attacks lasted over four days, killing and injuring hundreds. Several places were targeted, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Hotel at the Gateway of India, Cafe Leopold, Rang Bhavan Lane near Cama Hospital and St Xavier's College.
One of the masterminds of the attack--Hafiz Saeed was recently released from house arrest, a move that the US has condemned. Washington has also warned Islamabad of 'repercussions' on US-Pakistan ties if the Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief isn't re-arrested.
(With Agency Inputs)
