The dark night of November 26, 2008 shook the nation. Ten terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out attacks at various locations in Mumbai, claiming the lives of more than 160 innocent citizens. Following this terrorist operation that lasted four consecutive days, many questions were raised about the Home Department, security agencies, and the government machinery. Today marks 17 years since this incident, and the state government has implemented concrete measures at various levels to prevent the recurrence of such attacks. Today, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the martyred police officers and soldiers.
After this attack, the state established a special unit called Force One on April 2, 2009, modeled after the National Security Guard to combat terrorism. This unit is complemented by an urban anti-terrorism center, and the personnel receive advanced training. Selected officers and trainers from the police force receive 'Training of Trainers' and 'Commando Drill Instructor' training. Currently, rapid response teams have been set up in cities across the state including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane Rural, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Solapur, Amravati, Nanded, Raigad, Sindhudurg, and Ahmednagar, with approximately 1,256 trained personnel actively working.
The 'Sagar Kavach' campaign was launched in 2014 for maritime security. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, CRPF, CISF, Maharashtra Maritime Board, and Customs Department all come together twice a year to practice. The main objective of this initiative is to strengthen coordination along the coast and prevent potential terrorist activities.
To strengthen the state's maritime security, 58 patrol boats have been in use since 2017. Along the coast, 44 marine police stations and 91 checkpoints have been established. AIS systems and biometric cards have been provided to facilitate the identification and monitoring of fishing boats. Different symbolic colors have been assigned for fishing boats in each district.
506 'Marine Security Forces' have been established to strengthen maritime security through citizen participation at the local level. Approximately 5,971 citizens are involved in these volunteer forces. Additionally, 279 security wardens and 23 supervisors are active at 91 landing points. Through all these means, information about suspicious activities along the coast is rapidly reaching the police.
The state government claims that all these measures have made the anti-terrorism and maritime security systems in Mumbai and the state more prepared than before. However, the horrific incident of 26/11 demonstrated that security is not just a governmental responsibility, but citizen participation is equally important.
After 26/11, Force One was established in Maharashtra to strengthen anti-terrorism forces.
The 'Sagar Kavach' campaign was implemented to enhance coordination among all forces for maritime security.
44 marine police stations, 91 checkpoints, and 506 marine security units have been established in the state.
Today, Mumbai is prepared, but citizen participation is an important part of this security.