Mumbai, Kolkata residents pays homage to 26/11 victims

MUMBAI/KOLKATA - Survivors and relatives of 26/11 Mumbai attack victims paid homage to the martyrs in different parts of Mumbai and Kolkata on Friday.

Kia Scherr, who lost her husband and daughter in the attack, organized a social event called One Life Alliance at Trident Hotel in the city.

Speaking to reporters, Scherr said: “Even though our heart is still in grief for those we love, lets focus on the love rather than the grief. That would help us in moving forward.”

“Let us join together to take a stand to honour the sacredness of life and ourselves in each other and we can make a difference,” Scherr added.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Gadkari visited the memorial of Tukaram Ombale, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) who was killed while challenging the militants two years ago.

“26/11 is a black spot in the history of our country. Pakistan is behind the entire episode of the attack, which is really a sad experience for us,” Gadkari said, adding that there is no point holding peace talks with Islamabad.

It may be recalled that ten gunmen landed on Mumbai shores at sunset on November 26, 2008 and fired indiscriminately at a busy railway station, a Jewish settlement, a popular cafi and two luxury hotels.

Several people were held hostage over the next three days and at least 166 people were killed before Indian commandos smoked out the last of the terrorists on November 28, 2008.

The lone surviving attacker, Ajmal Kasab, is facing the gallows and the Bombay High Court is hearing his appeal against death sentence.

India blames Pakistan for fostering militants and says elements within the state were behind the Mumbai attacks in 2008. (ANI)