Kuala Lumpur : The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur organized a solemn memorial event on 9 December 2021 to pay tribute to the victims of terrorism.
The 13th Anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack of 2008 was commemorated at the event. Tributes were paid to the victims of the attack and the valiant security personnel who laid down their lives.
In the dastardly attack on 26 Nov 2008, terrorists from across the border struck at various sites in Mumbai, targeting civilians. 166 individuals lost their lives including 26 foreign nationals from 14 other countries. 304 individuals were severely injured. One Malaysian National, Mrs. Hema Kasipillay, lost her life in the attack.
High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, H.E. Mr B.N. Reddy, in his remarks, stated that India has been a victim of cross border terrorism for the past three decades. The families of the 166 victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attack are still awaiting justice. The Government of India will continue to make every effort to seek justice for the families of the victims and the martyrs.
High Commissioner highlighted that terrorism continues to pose an existential threat to the civilized world and concerted international efforts are critical to combat this threat. Leaders of India and Malaysia have been expressing their commitment to take concrete steps on this front. The bilateral Joint Working Group on counter terrorism has been an important platform to further enhance this cooperation.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of all the victims of terrorism across the world.
A short video was presented at the event highlighting condemnations from various countries over the years since 2008, recounting the strength and resilience of survivors, grief of the families who lost their loved ones, and calls to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Key Note address on the occasion was delivered by Datuk Nur Jazlan, Former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia. Datuk Ganeson Sivagurunathan, Director General, Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism, spoke about the importance of international cooperation in curbing the menace of terrorism. Mr K Sivakumaran, husband of late Mrs. Hema Kasipillay, and Mr. Nirmal Bhatt, representative of Indian Community in Malaysia, addressed the gathering.
The event was attended by several resident High Commissioners/Ambassadors, diplomatic corps, prominent personalities and representatives of various organisations in Malaysia, in solidarity with victims of terrorism around the world.
High Commissioner and Ms Nishalini, daughter of late Mrs. Hema Kasipillay, jointly inaugurated a photo exhibition highlighting the 60-hour ordeal of the victims in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the grief of the bereaved families, and the touching tributes paid by the people of India.
