Life, once in a while, throws up events that traumatise you for the rest of your life. The terror attack in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, Pahalgam on April 22, this year, and in Delhi on November 10, top such chilling incidents. Two days from now, the nation will observe the 17th anniversary of the gruesome terror attack in Mumbai.

The Mumbai carnage was far more devastating than any other terror attack in India. Let’s recount what happened that day. A flash appeared: “Shootout in Colaba!” I had the sinking feeling of gang wars returning to Mumbai. However, within minutes, reports of a massacre started streaming in.

In those chaotic early hours, no one imagined that the next many hours would witness mayhem and drown the nation in sorrow. Just 10 Pakistan-trained killers gunned down 165 Indian and foreign nationals. Their victims were spread across five-star hotels, the main railway station, Jewish quarters, hospitals, and prominent roads. The incident changed India’s security scenario forever. It claimed Maharashtra police anti-terror squad’s four top officers, including its chief Hemant Karkare. We salute their........

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