President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged the nation to reaffirm its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, as India observed the solemn anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Her message, delivered on the 16th year since one of India’s deadliest terror strikes, underscored the enduring importance of national unity, security preparedness, and collective resolve in safeguarding the country against evolving threats.

In her statement, President Murmu highlighted that the memory of the victims, security personnel, and brave responders continues to shape the country’s counter-terrorism approach. She said the nation “remembers their supreme sacrifice with gratitude”, emphasising that the resilience demonstrated during and after the attacks remains a defining moment in India’s fight against terrorism. The 26/11 attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2008, left 166 people dead and more than 300 injured, permanently altering the country’s security landscape.

President Murmu’s message came at a time when global terrorism continues to evolve, with new forms of radicalisation, digital threats, and cross-border activities posing complex challenges. She called upon citizens to stay vigilant and support ongoing national efforts to strengthen law enforcement, intelligence networks, and international partnerships. According to her, the fight against terrorism is not only the responsibility of governments and security agencies but a shared duty of society at large, requiring civic awareness and unwavering commitment to constitutional values.

Her remarks were echoed across the political spectrum as leaders, diplomats, and citizens paid tribute to the courage of the security forces who defended Mumbai during the 60-hour siege. The attacks targeted some of the city's busiest and most iconic locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House, Leopold Café, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station. The coordinated assaults shook the nation and prompted major security reforms, including the strengthening of coastal defences, rapid response units, and intelligence sharing mechanisms.

Ceremonies were held across Mumbai to honour the martyrs, including personnel from the Mumbai Police, National Security Guard (NSG), and fire services. At the police memorial, families of officers who laid down their lives — including Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, and Hemant Karkare — offered floral tributes. Emotional scenes unfolded as citizens, officers, and veterans commemorated the bravery that prevented even greater loss of life.

In her message, President Murmu emphasised that terrorism remains a threat not only to lives but to the values of democracy, pluralism, and freedom that India holds dear. She reiterated that any attack on civilians or democratic institutions aims to undermine national harmony, and therefore India’s response must be guided by unity and collective strength. Her call to “combat terrorism in all forms” reflects India’s long-standing policy of zero tolerance towards terror activities, particularly those originating from across the border.

Over the years, India has consistently highlighted at global platforms the need for stronger international consensus on combating terrorism. This includes advocating for the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations. President Murmu reaffirmed that India will continue to push for global cooperation, intelligence partnerships, and policy frameworks that prevent terrorism from thriving in any region.

Political leaders across parties joined the President in marking the anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several chief ministers posted messages honouring the courage and sacrifice of victims and security forces. The Prime Minister reiterated that “India will never forget the scars” of 26/11 and that the nation continues to strengthen its defence and intelligence capabilities to prevent such attacks.

Security experts noted that the President’s message also reflects the broader strategic environment, where terrorism has increasingly adopted hybrid methods involving cyber tools, encrypted communication, and cross-border facilitation. India’s security agencies have been working to adapt to these changing realities, expanding surveillance capabilities, strengthening cooperation with countries like the United States, Israel, and European nations, and enhancing cyber defence infrastructure.

Citizens across Mumbai and other major cities participated in vigils and remembrance events. At the Gateway of India, groups gathered to observe moments of silence and light candles in honour of the martyrs. Survivors of the attacks shared stories recalling the terror of the night and the enduring trauma that many continue to grapple with. Many expressed gratitude for the bravery of security personnel who risked their lives to rescue hostages and confront heavily armed terrorists.

In educational institutions and public offices, discussions were held on the importance of national security awareness. Several organisations used the occasion to promote programs on emergency preparedness, civic vigilance, and responsible use of digital platforms to counter misinformation, radicalisation, and online recruitment by extremist groups.

President Murmu’s emphasis on reaffirming commitment carries particular weight at a time when geopolitical tensions and new security challenges dominate global affairs. Her message serves as a reminder that the cost of complacency can be immense and that the spirit of collective responsibility is indispensable in sustaining a secure and resilient nation. Analysts note that such messaging helps reinforce the emotional and civic significance of anniversaries like 26/11, ensuring that the memories of sacrifice transform into long-term national consciousness and preventive action.

The 26/11 anniversary also revisits discussions on justice and accountability. India has long demanded action against the masterminds of the attacks, including operatives of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) who orchestrated the assault from Pakistani soil. While international pressure has occasionally led to symbolic steps, India maintains that genuine accountability remains pending. The President’s call to combat terrorism “in all forms” further underscores the expectation that global mechanisms must ensure meaningful action against individuals and networks responsible for the Mumbai attacks.

Beyond formal tributes, many citizens took to social media to honour the victims, using hashtags commemorating the anniversary. Photographs of fallen heroes, messages of unity, and reflections on the tragedy circulated widely. Younger generations, many of whom were children at the time of the attacks, shared thoughts on how 26/11 shaped their understanding of national security and civic responsibility.

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