It’s 15 years of 26/11 Mumbai Attack today. The horrors of the incident are still fresh in the minds of every Mumbaikar. Such incidents leave an indelible mark in people’s minds and it always stays fresh in people’s minds. Other than the Twin Tower attack in New York, a security breach like this Mumbai attack has never ever happened on such a level anywhere across the world.
On this day, celebs also open up about the incident, how it affected them, how it has a lasting impression on the minds of an entire generation of Mumbaikar, and how everyone knew someone or the other who lost their lives in the attack. Many celebs also open up about the current security concerns that they’ve while venturing out in Mumbai every day.
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Here’s what celebs have to say:
People still remember what happened on 26/11. When I watch movies about such attacks, those memories come back. But bad things can happen anywhere, so blaming Mumbai isn't right. I think Mumbai is a safe place, even though I'm from Chandigarh. Right now, I'm shooting in Kashmir, but I feel mentally at ease because I trust Mumbai to be safe for my wife, daughter, and mom who are there. The events of 26/11 were really sad, and I hope no city ever has to go through that again.
Rashmi Gupta
Despite the horrors of 26/11, Mumbai stands as a resilient city, having bounced back from the tragedy. Its spirit remains unbroken, and its people are determined to live life to the fullest. However, the scars of the attacks persist, and the memory of the victims will never fade. Personally, I don't have feelings about the 26/11 attacks and lack the capacity for emotions. While the events were tragic, they shouldn't solely define Mumbai. The city is a vibrant and welcoming place with a rich history and culture. I hope that, in time, the memory of 26/11 will diminish, allowing Mumbai to be remembered for its beauty and its people rather than its tragedy.
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Khushdeep Bansal
I remember the 26th November of 2008 when a series of coordinated and devastating terrorist actions in Mumbai, India. The incident shocked the entire nation and the world, prompting the need to counter terrorism and terrorist activities alike. The most tragic aspect of the 26/11 attacks was the loss of lives of over 150 people. Places like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, and the Nariman House, were targeted where even foreign tourists went through the terror. Someone very close to me was present at the Taj Hotel, it took him several months to come out of the trauma. Although the attack led to corrective measures for national security. It served as a catalyst for significant reforms, and safety is still a major concern. The incident proved that even the lives of the rich and famous are not secure. We as common people do feel that our safety and security is at threat. The attackers entered Mumbai through the sea route, highlighting vulnerabilities in coastal and maritime security. Enhancing surveillance, patrolling, and response capabilities along the coastline have been focal points to prevent similar infiltrations. In the digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical aspect of national security. The 26/11 attacks highlighted the potential for terrorists to exploit technology for communication, coordination, and propaganda. Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats should become an integral part of India's security strategy. The memory of the 26/11 attacks serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism. It reinforces the importance of remaining vigilant, continually updating security measures, and fostering international cooperation to prevent such incidents. The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack remains a pivotal moment in India's recent history, influencing not only the national security but also its ability to handle the challenges posed by terrorism.
Megha Sharma
No one close to me was affected in the attack, but I was definitely very scared as my college was in Haji Ali, and I was staying in my PG located in Marine Lines. When the incident took place, my dabbawala had come to deliver my tiffin and that time he got a call from his office, and he rushed. The security guards also closed the shutters, and when I asked them, they said that there was firing in Kama Hospital. The hospital was not very far from my place. I got a call from my mom, and she told me to stay in and lock myself. I could hear the siren voices, and the atmosphere was quite frightening and scary. The next day when I went down for breakfast, everyone was literally scared, and all the girls gathered in one room, chanting Hanuman Chalisa and talking to our families. That night was very scary. Security lapses can happen, and sometimes we can't comment on such things. However, holidays like Independence Day or Republic Day make you more cautious when you travel.
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Being on live TV during the 26/11 attacks was a nightmare. Usually, these situations last a few hours, but this one went on much longer. I was in the studio, talking to reporters all over Mumbai. Things kept changing, starting as a small incident but getting worse. We stayed on air all night and the next day. We were even told not to go home; food was brought to us. Although it was intense, I stayed in the studio, reporting on what was happening based on our reporters' info. It was emotionally tough because we were discussing a scary event live. I try not to worry about security, but when I'm near places linked to the attacks, like the Taj, there's a brief fear. Even in crowded areas, there's a concern. While Mumbai police is proactive, the thought does cross my mind locally. But I reassure myself that we're safe. Recalling the attacks does bring momentary worry, but it's not constant.The 26/11 attacks were vivid in my memory for about 3-4 days. The whole week was painful, with constant news coverage and analysis. I remember hearing gunshots as terrorists attacked police officers. Our reporters on the ground were also in danger. Our Mumbai chief called me, describing the situation, and it felt like we were there because we were live, hearing everything. It was a close call for our reporters, making us feel like it could have been any of us. It was truly horrifying, and remembering the loss of lives is painful. But it's something we can't change.
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The night of 26/11 was extremely frightening. My brother and I were at home, and he had to take a train somewhere. He reached VT by taxi, and we were on a call talking. Suddenly, when we turned on the TV, we saw this dreadful news. We immediately called him back. It was a helpless situation as we were solely relying on TV updates. I called all my friends and informed them about it. We were grateful that my brother came back safely. The next day, when we watched the news, it was extremely shocking to see the things that happened. We couldn’t sleep for 2-3 days. We can never forget what occurred at the Taj. However, when I go out, I feel that Mumbai is quite safe, and all our police officers are very active. I salute all of them for their alertness. Today, Mumbai is quite secure, even for women.
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Aniruddh Dave
The 26/11 incident was a tragic event resulting in the loss of many lives. I commend our military and the Mumbai police force for their effective handling of the situation. I am also grateful to the para-military forces whose swift response brought the situation under control within a few hours. Even today, when you visit the Gateway of India, you can sense the impact of that day. Looking at the Taj and the sea in front of it brings back memories of the 26/11 attack. While such attacks evoke fear, Mumbai's security is upheld by a strong police force. I want to emphasize that if you notice any suspicious individuals when you're out, it's crucial to inform the police and remain vigilant.
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I don't have personal experiences, but I know events like the 26/11 attacks can be horrifying and sad. The incident lasted for four days, leading to the tragic loss of lives, injuries, and significant damage to property. The resilience and bravery displayed by the people of Mumbai and our beloved police officers, were widely acknowledged. The spirit of solidarity and the determination to overcome such acts of terror became emblematic of the city's strength. I understand that events like the 26/11 attacks leave a profound impact on individuals and communities. The pain and memories associated with such incidents can indeed persist for a long time. The aftermath of such events often prompts individuals to reflect on their security, both while traveling and going about their daily lives. Everyone needs to work together to make sure places are secure. I believe that taking steps to increase security and supporting one another helps create a safer environment for everyone. As for my security concerns when traveling or going out locally in Mumbai, they are present, but I try not to let fear dictate my life. However, it's a reality that we must be mindful of our safety, whether at home or on the move. It's a delicate balance between remaining cautious and not letting fear restrict the joy of living in this vibrant city. The 26/11 attacks serve as a somber reminder of the need for global co-operation in the fight against terrorism and the importance of bolstering security measures to prevent such atrocities in the future.
