At the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks, saying that terror is an absolute “evil” and that no justification, excuse, or grievance can justify an act of terrorism.
“Terror is absolute evil. There are no reasons, no pretext, no causes, and no grievances that can justify terrorism. terrorism is absolute evil. It has no room in today’s world,” Guterres said while addressing the presser at Taj Hotel.
UN Chief, who came to India on Wednesday, visited the Taj Hotel on Wednesday and laid a wreath in honor of all those who sacrificed their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. UN Chief further said, “I feel deeply moved to be here where one of the barbaric terrorist acts in history took place where 166 people lost their lives. I want to pay tribute to the victims they are heroes of all world and I want to express my deepest condolences to their families, to their friends, to the people of India, and to all those that are coming from other parts of the world that have lost their lives in Mumbai.”
He also said that “fighting terrorism must be a global priority for every country on earth and fighting terrorism is a central priority for the UN”.
In recalling his first reform, Guterres stated that he proposed the establishment of an anti-terrorism office, which now exists.
The office was established with the purpose of collaborating with member nations in order to offer the systems, guidance, and training required for all countries to be prepared to prevent and combat terrorist activities.
Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists arrived by boat on November 26, 2008, and opened fire, killing 166 people, including 18 security officers, and injured many more during the three-day siege in Mumbai.
Despite the fact that nine terrorists were killed by security forces, the attack murdered then-ATS Chief Hemant Karkare, Army Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Mumbai’s Additional Police Commissioner Ashok Kamte, and Senior Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar.
In addition to Guterres, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid their respects to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror incident.
All leaders hold a minute of silence in memory of the victims and those who gave their lives in the 26/11 terrorist attack.
Guterres will be on an official visit to India from October 18-20, 2022. This will be UNSG’s first visit to India, since he commenced his second term in office in January 2022. He had earlier visited India (in his first term) from 01- 04 October 2018.
“Warm welcome to the UNSG @antonioguterres as he arrives in Mumbai for his official visit to India from 18-20 October 2022,” tweeted Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
UNSG will also deliver a public address at IIT Mumbai on the subject – “India @75: UN-India Partnership: Strengthening South-South Cooperation,” read the MEA press release.
On 20 October 2022 in Gujarat (Ekta Nagar, Kevadiya), he will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) booklet, logo, and tagline.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said he will undertake bilateral conversations with the UN Secretary-General on global concerns, initiatives to enhance India’s involvement with the UN, especially through India’s future G20 presidency, and reformed multilateralism.
Guterres is due to lay flower tributes at the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya. He will also visit Modhera (Gujarat), India’s first solar-powered hamlet, as well as other development initiatives in the area. Before heading for his next stop, the UNSG will also visit the Sun Temple in Modhera.
