Dhirendras Blog: 11/1/09

Thursday, November 26, 2009

A tribute to the real heroes of Mumbai (1 of 2)

Good morning friends. It’s been a year ago when the Mumbai terror attack was held. Many innocent people were affected. I hope and pray that will not have a second time.

Nov 26, a year ago, India faced one of the most horrific terrorist attacks so fierce, that the whole country was left reeling in shock for days afterwards.

It was the worst nightmare for not only Mumbai, but for the entire country. Terrorists had taken over the entire south Mumbai area, killing 173 people and injuring hundreds.

But amongst the chaos, there emerged stories of great heroism in the face of terror.

It proved that despite attempts by the terrorists to destroy the country, the nobility of humanity would always shine through.As India observes the first year anniversary of the Mumbai attacks, let’s looks back and remembers some of those heroes who sacrificed their lives to save thousands and for being inspiration to all of us:

Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salukar:

The head of Mumbai's anti terrorism squad, Karkare is regarded as a legend in the Mumbai police force, was among the 11 police officials who were killed while fighting terrorists.

54-year-old, Karkare was killed in a shootout with terrorists at the Taj Intercontinental Hotel where terrorists have taken at least 15 people hostage.

Additional commissioner Ashok Kamte and ‘encounter specialist’ Vijay Saluskar were killed in a shootout with terrorists at Metro Cinema.

Following their deaths, all three men were awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, in recognition of the sacrifices they had made. However, in recent months, controversy has arisen over the deaths of the officers.

Assistant Sub- Inspector Tukaram Omble:

Ex-Army man Tukaram Omble was a casualty of the Mumbai attacks, giving his life to ensure the survival of his men and the capture of the sole, surviving gunman, Ajmal Kasab.

Around 12.30 am, the team manning the roadblock received information that two terrorists had hijacked a private Skoda car and were speeding towards Chowpatty.

Moments later, Omble saw the Skoda coming; he sprang on his motorcycle and went in hot pursuit.

Omble and five other policemen armed with batons rushed towards the door where one of the terrorists - later identified as Abu Ismail - was seated on the front seat.

The other terrorist, Kasab, tried to come out of the car when Omble and his colleagues tried to snatch the AK 47 rifle he was holding. But the terrorist put up a fierce resistance.

Omble caught the barrel of the gun and held on to it with his full strength. Even as the policemen tried to overpower Kasab, the terrorist opened fire.