9 years of 26/11 Mumbai attacks: Survivours await Hafiz Saeed's arrest

The day marks nine years since the Maximum City witnessed the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, which claimed the lives of more than 166 people.

As many as 10 Pakistani terrorists, belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group, had unleashed carnage across Mumbai, on November 26, 2008.

Recalling the unfortunate day, Devika, a survivour and an eye-witness, termed the incident as traumatising and said she has still not got over it.

"The entire incident still plays in front of my eyes; it was terrifying. I can recall each and every moment," Devika told ANI.

Devika survived a bullet injury on her leg and was one of the eye-witnesses to identify the lone-captured terrorist of the attacks - Ajmal Kasab.

Having battled for almost two months for her life and praised for her bravery to speak against Kasab, Devika felt that justice has still not been served to people who lost their lives as mastermind Hafiz Saeed still roams scot-free in Pakistan.

"When I saw Kasab in the courtroom I was livid. I wished I had a gun in my hand; I would have shot him there. Anyway, Kasab was a mosquito. Hope someday the big terrorists and the mastermind are brought to book," she said.

Her journey since 2008 has not been easy, she said, adding she faced isolation from people for speaking against Kasab, as they feared the terrorist would come after her and they would also face the consequences.

Devika's father, who was also one of the deponents in the case, echoed a similar sentiment and made a heartfelt appeal to the government to bring justice to people killed in the attack by curbing terrorism harboured in the neighbouring country.

"My daughter was just nine years old when she got shot. It was traumatic. Yes, we are happy that Kasab was hanged, but we will not be satisfied till the real mastermind sitting in Pakistan is punished," he said.

Another eye-witness, Mohd Taufeeq, who sells tea at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, said the day has left a lasting effect on him.

"I still get disturbed whenever I think of that moment. I rescued many injured people. The situation was devastating. It has been nine years, but I am just waiting for the day the real mastermind sitting in Pakistan is caught," he told ANI.

Another survivour, Rahim Ansari, lost six of his relatives in the barbaric attack and went into depression after the incident.

"My relatives had no chance to escape. I am happy that the perpetrators were either killed or punished. But the mastermind Hafiz Saeed is in Pakistan; it would be ideal if Indian Government gets him here and punishes him," Ansari said.

Meanwhile, in view of this, security has been strengthened across Mumbai. Various events will be held in the city to mark the anniversary of the terrorist attack.

Also, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor C Vidyasagar Rao paid tribute to the victims at a memorial on early Sunday morning.

Hindus must have four children, says godman

Haridwar-based guru Giriji Maharaj is attending the VHP’s Dharma Sansad in Udupi

Stoking a controversy, Govindadev Giriji Maharaj, a Haridwar-based spiritual guru, said on Saturday that Hindus should have a minimum of four children “to set right the demographic imbalance”, till the government enforced a Uniform Civil Code. He was speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) three-day Dharma Sansad here.

Later in the day, Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Pejawar Math said that sants, sadhus, seers, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the VHP had done more to solve the problem of untouchability than the “so-called intellectuals and those who claim to follow secularism”.

Pravin Togadia, international working president of the VHP, said the Sansad had come up with a plan to eradicate untouchability. “In every village, temples, water from wells, and crematoriums should be open to all, including Dalits, and members of the Hindu community should make friends with Dalit families,” he said. Hindus should invite Dalit women and wash their feet as a ritual, he said, and help in their marriage. They should help Dalits pursue education, get jobs, and start businesses, he added.

Mann Ki Baat Highlights: PM Modi, On 26/11 Anniversary, Says World Must Unite To Defeat Terrorism

page contents

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. In Gujarat, BJP leaders have organised "Chai ke saath", wherein the public can sit with them and listen to PM Modi's address with a cup of tea.

Here are the highlights of his address:

• The makers of our Constitution worked hard to give us a Constitution we would be proud of.
• Our Constitution safeguards the rights of the poor and weaker sections of society.
• At the time of freedom, in a diverse country like ours, with their vision and farsightedness, the members of Constituent Assembly drafted a Constitution that protects the interest of all. Now, it is our responsibility to build a New India in the light of this constitution.
• Baba Saheb Ambedkar ensured welfare of every section of society while drafting the Constitution. His contribution towards making the country prosperous and powerful is invaluable.
• India will never forget the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that shook the country nine years ago on 26/11. The country salutes the brave citizens, policemen, security officials who lost their lives. Nation cannot forget their sacrifices.
• 
  

• Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. Not only is it a threat to India, but to countries across the world. The time has come for the world to unite and defeat the menace of terrorism.
• For over 4 decades, India has been raising the issue of terror. Initially the world did not take us seriously but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism.
• India being the land of Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, Guru Nanak, Mahatma Gandhi, has always spread the message of peace and non-violence across the world. Violence and acts of terrorism are attempts to dilute our social structure and disintegrate them.
• Our civilization has developed near rivers. Be it the Sindhu (Indus), Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna, or Saraswati, our rivers and seas hold economic as well as strategic importance for our country. These are our gateways to the whole world.
• Who can forget Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the power of his navy... Konkan coasts, where the sea plays a crucial role, came under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj. Several forts related to Shivaji Maharaj, such as the Sindhu Durg, Murud Janjira, Swarna Durg, etc. were either situated on the beaches or were surrounded by sea.
• Today, most of the naval forces in the world allow women on warships, but very few people would know that around 900 years ago, a large number of women played a major role in the Chola Navy. They even fought wars.
• Whether it was the liberation war of Goa or the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Indian Navy has shown its prowess on various occasions even after independence. India's navy has also come forward and served the humanity in times of crisis.
• In our culture, since the ancient times, we have recognized and been aware of the vitality of soil. For a farmer, soil holds great importance. We must be glad that our farmers are exploring scientific methods to maintain the fertility of soil. They are now using modern farm techniques along with traditional practices.
• Our Divyang brothers and sisters are determined, strong, courageous and resolute. Every moment we get to learn something from them. Today they are excelling in every field. Be it any sport, a competition, or social initiatives, Divyangjans are shining in every sphere.
• It is our endeavour that every person in the country is empowered. Our aim is to build an all-inclusive and harmonious society.