26th November, 2008 began like any other day, millions hurried towards another monotonous day at work like little pre-programmed drones, children heading to school, housewives glued to the television with what I can only describe as “unbelievable loyalty” to their daytime television shows.
The way that particular day unfolded, would change the city for many years to come. It wasn’t “just another day”.
It was the day 10 men, teenage boys more like, armed with the infamous Kalashnikovs I.e AK-47s and hand grenades, and a bag of dry fruits, brought the entire city to a stand-still.
They were a part of a group who call themselves Lashker-e-taiba, big surprise. They make it difficult NOT to be racist at times.
Entering our island city from the shores, through a stolen/rented out fishing boat, went on to openly firing at Leopold’s Café, a well-known spot in Colaba, and Victoria Terminus, one of the busiest railway stations in Mumbai and taking a strangle-hold on two of the biggest hotels, namely The Taj Mahal and Tower Hotel and The Oberoi Trident.
It brought out the true condition, mental and physical of the infamous Mumbai Police, no comments. The lack of adequate and latest arms and ammunitions and safety gear handicapped them further.The absence of appropriate planning cost us three of the best police officers we had on our side, namely Hemant Karkare(ATS Chief), Vijay Salaskar(Encounter Specialist) and Ashok Kamte(Additional Commissioner of the Mumbai Police).
Their vehicle was ambushed. They hadn’t worn their bullet-proof vests.
As the curtains drew shut on the nightmare, the reality and the gravity of the situation become more apparent.
The National Guard eventually brought the situation under control, 9 of the 10 terrorists were killed in the neutralization. One was caught, the infamous Kasab.
Their mindless killing, of Indian citizens and foreigners alike, to the point where the body count read “AT LEAST 166 killed and 293 wounded”.
Its three years later now, Kasab continues to lead a rather happy life in various Indian Jails. The human-rights activists are working towards a “fair trial” for a guy who blindly fired an AK-47 in a crowded railway station and killed countless innocent human beings.
And to talk about irony…sheesh. 
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