Looking back at the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008

The

of 2008 took place on Nov 26 of that year. The attacks comprised 11 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across India's financial capital masterminded by Islamist terrorists who were trained in Pakistan and backed by the Inter Services Intelligence, Pakistan's intelligence agency.

Ajmal Kasab was the only surviving member of the terror gang (See: Kasab hanged) that carried out the bloody attacks that killed over 160 people, including foreign nationals, and injured over 300. The attacks lasted till Nov 29 and left a deep damage in some of Mumbai's landmark buildings and India's psyche in general.

See VideoPakistani Terrorist Kasab Hanged to Death

Attacks: Eight of the attacks occurred in southern Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, Nariman House Jewish Community, Metro Cinema and a lane behind the building housing a leading newspaper and St Xavier's College. An explosion also took place at Mazagaon, in Mumbai's port area, and in a taxi at Vile Parle.

India's response: By Nov 28th morning, all spots except the Taj Mahal were secured by Mumbai Police and security guards. On Nov 29, India's National Security Guards (NSG) conducted Operation Black Tornedo to drive out the remaining assailants. Kasab later said that the attackers were members of the Pakistan-based terror outfit, Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). On Jan 7, 2009, Pakistan officially accepted Ajmal Kasab's Pakistani nationality.

Martyrs: Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan of the NSG was killed while trying to rescue Commander Sunil Yadav, whereas sub-inspector Tukaram Omble was martyred while trying to catch Kasab during the anti-terrorism action. Eighteen security personnel, including then ATS chief Hemant Karkare, Mumbai Police Commissioner Ashok Kamte and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar were also killed during the operation. All five of them were conferred with the Ashok Chakra. (See: Fees for Kasab's lawyers to be given to families of 18 cops)

OneIndia News