New Delhi, Nov 26 (IANS) On the first anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks, nearly 700 youths from across the world Thursday paid homage to the victims of the terrorist act at a ceremony in the national capital.
At the commemorative ‘lighting a candle’ ceremony, youngsters from as many as 10 countries including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Egypt and New Zealand, apart from India, gathered at the Scope Complex at Lodhi Road and paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 attacks and saluted the courage of those who fought the terrorists.

The youngsters are a part of the Indian Model United Nations Conference (INMUN), a simulation of the United Nations Assembly.

“Victory of the terrorists is in creating fear in the minds of people. And the fact that not only Indians but people from across the world are united is in itself a defeat of the terrorists,” said Utkarsh Marwah, creative director of Ryan Foundation.

On this day last year, India’s financial capital Mumbai was besieged by a handful of terrorists for 60 hours — leaving 166 people dead and injuring 244. Not just Indians but many foreign nationals were affected in the attacks.

Saluting the brave defence officials who gave up their lives to save others and paying tributes to the innocent victims, a number of candle light vigils and discussions were held in Delhi.

The United Muslim Morcha, an NGO, also organised a commemorative function.

Ejaz Ali, president of the group, said: “On this day, we salute the brave officers, Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and all the others who gave their lives fighting terrorism.”

Spiritual guru Swami Ramdev, who also organised a conference on the occasion, said: “26/11 reminds us of terror attacks not only on Mumbai, but also on India as a nation. The threat (of terrorism) remains.”

“The system needs to change to deal with such terrorist attacks,” he added.