Mumbai terror: India salutes its heroes

Excerpts from Power Breakfast on CNBC-TV18 Watch the full show »

As the battle rages on in Mumbai, the entire nation salutes the security officers who have laid down their lives in the line of fire.

 

On Wednesday night, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's family in Bangalore got a call from him, asking them to switch on the TV to see the news about the attack on Mumbai. It was the last time they'd hear his voice. On Friday morning, the Major was killed at the Taj Hotel, risking his life to save others.

 

K Unnikrishnan, Sandeep's father said, "One of their constables was injured. He turned to lift him and save him. At that time, the terrorist was escaping he followed and didnt' want to let him go. He turned back and fired before he could be taken to a hospital, he died."

 

When Unnikrishnan joined the Army nine years back, his family knew he was going to lead a dangerous life. But they still can't believe that they will never see him again. Relatives and friends thronged the house all of friday.

 

S V Kibe, family friend said, "All i can say is he was a brave soldier who gave his life for the country."

 

K S Krishnan, family friend said, "He was a brave soldier right from when he was younger he always wanted to join the armed forces."

 

Army oficials say the funeral will be held on Saturday morning. A grateful nation will be watching and praying.

 

Wednesday was Rajeev Khandekar's day off from work, the one time in the week he got to spend with his family. But when news of the attack on Mumbai came in, the 36-year old constable didn't think twice about rushing to work. Khandekar was sent to the Cama Hospital, one of the sites where the terrorists had run amok. It was to be his last mission. Along with three other top policemen, Khandekar too fell to a terrorist bullet.

 

Sunil Patil, Police Constable, said, "He was an honest man. We use to work together."

 

Khandekar had joined the police in 1992 after his father's death. His mother, wife and five year old daughter now face a bleak future. They've lost their only caregiver and the country has lost a brave soldier.

 

ATS Chief Hemant Karkare's was also killed with two other top policemen, Additional CP Ashok Kamte and Encounter Specialist Vijay Salaskar near the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal when they came under fire from terrorists. The ATS Chief's family is inconsolable. His colleagues, visibly moved, paid homage to the senior officer. Karkare is survived by his wife Amruta, his two daughters Jui and Sayali and Son Akash.