Chidambaram to remember 26/11 victims on second anniversary

Mumbai, Nov 25 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram will participate in a commemoration function that would be held at the CNG filling station in suburban Borivli on Friday morning on the second anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora will also be present at the function to remember those killed during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

P Unnikrishnan, the father of National Security Guard (NSG) commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who has undertaken a cycle tour from India Gate in Delhi, will join a peace march at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.

A candle-lit silent prayer rally will be organised by the College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan, and the family members of 26/11 victims, from Cama Hospital lane to St Xavier's college in South Mumbai to mark the occasion.

There will also be a commemoration service for the 26/11 martyrs at the CST railway station and a wreath will be laid to remember the 166 people killed during the Mumbai attacks.

Meanwhile, Mumbai has been turned into a virtual fortress, with the authorities stepping up security and increasing vigilance ahead of the second anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks.

Several patrol units have been set up to increase surveillance in order to thwart possible strikes by sleeper cells of militant groups.

The locals here have welcomed the move.

"It is the second anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks. It is good that the police have stepped up security across the city. It is very important for the safety of the people. They should have done it earlier also, but still, the steps they are taking now are also sufficient," said Vikas, a local.

Several mock security drills have been carried out at vital places in Mumbai, while traffic policemen have been directed to routinely halt commuters for 'surprise checks' to verify their credentials.

"Security is very important for the city. It prevents any attacks and such surprise checks go a long way in countering militant violence. The security arrangements undertaken by the authorities are very good," added Girish, another local. (ANI)