"Guardians Amidst Chaos: A Naval Officer's Reflection on 26/11"

A Night of Unprecedented Challenges & Mobilizing the Defense

As the Deputy Chief of Security at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, my experiences during the fateful night of 26th November 2008 were etched into the fabric of my naval career. The naval residential area in Colaba where I resided and the Naval Dockyard where I was posted, were located at two opposite sides of the Incident Sites, Café Leopold and the besieged Taj Mahal Hotel. Before the media erupted with news of the terrorist attack, the resonance of gunshots and grenade explosions filled the air. Since it was early in the night, my 8 years old daughter and 4 years old son were both awake. They too heard the gun shots and explosions from Taj Mahal Hotel. Having visualised the imminent and anticipated risk to my workplace the Naval Dockyard, I prepared to don the uniform. My children looked at me with inherent fear as they knew I would transit through the terrorist affected part of Colaba before I reached Naval Dockyard. To pacify them, I requisitioned the Naval Gypsy with armed guards from the neighbouring unit.  As the command center activated, my role became pivotal in coordinating internal protective measures. Little did I know that this night would unravel with both challenges and moments of pride.

With the Naval Dockyard being a strategic asset, the command center buzzed with updates and directives. Rushing to the Dockyard with my immediate superior, the Chief of Security, we navigated the silent roads of Colaba in Naval Gypsy with armed guards, an eerie contrast to the usually bustling streets. Surprisingly, the Mumbai Police had transformed the area into a fortress, securing the once vibrant streets. The Dockyard, inherently vulnerable, unfolded before us like a fortress with its five gates and well-guarded walls. Our mission was clear - to protect it from any potential threat, whether from the sea or land and to support us in the mission was over 150 highly motivated ‘Defence Security Corps’ armed sentries guarding vulnerable seaward and landward posts.

 The Midnight Odyssey for Ammunition & Safeguarding the Dockyard at Dawn

In the dead of night, our responsibilities expanded beyond the Dockyard. Contacted by the local MARCOS (Marine Commandos) Team Lead, I found myself on a lone mission to replenish ammunition at the Taj Mahal Hotel, which had become a focal point of the terrorist siege. Drawing from my past as part of the Navy Diver cadre, I headed to the local Diving unit within the Dockyard. The crates of specialized weapons’ ammunition used by the Marcos were awaiting to reach its destination as it had arrived from the MARCOS Base across the sea channel. With a sense of duty, I loaded them onto the Gypsy. Driving through the deserted streets towards the Taj, a mix of emotions engulfed me. Knowing that a Diving Colleague later specialised as MARCOS was actively engaged with the terrorists at Hotel Oberoi added complexity of emotion to the situation. Yet, there was a sense of purpose as I facilitated the much-needed ammunition to the MARCOS base camp at Taj. A Naval 3-tonner was converted into their Base Camp where the reserve commandos were in their moments of rest amid the chaos and waited their turn to join their mates on call. This aspect may look weird but we have trained to sleep while walking and be at peace amidst chaos. Otherwise one can not sleep whilst waiting his turn to go into harm's way.

As night gave way to dawn, the enormity of the task ahead became clear. The Dockyard, home to over 20,000 personnel, had to be secured before the flow of employees, sailors, and officers began accessing their ships and units. Stray bullets from the Taj had struck our sentry posts, spurring swift action by the technical support team to strengthen our defenses. My team remained on high alert as I moved across the Dockyard, monitoring the unfolding situation. The night seemed to blur into morning, and it was only when the first shift personnel entered with looks of gratitude and appreciation that I realized how quickly time had passed. Yet, the battle was far from over. In the days that followed, the siege at the Taj Hotel continued, claiming the lives of many heroes. Among the first casualties was a member of the elite MARCOS, with whom I had once trained as a Clearance Diver before our paths diverged—me to specialize in Saturation Diving and they as MARCOS.

A Reflection on Resilience and Accomplishment

In the aftermath, the media unveiled that the mastermind behind the attack had extensively assessed the Dockyard as a potential high-profile target. Handmade maps found in the possession of the perpetrator highlighted the thorough reconnaissance conducted. Looking back, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride. The terrorists, in their sinister mission, acknowledged the resilience and strength of our security apparatus at the Naval Dockyard. They chose not to trespass into the Dockyard, a testament to the unwavering dedication and preparedness of our Team. Deterrent Security exhibited round the year by my team yielded positive impact.  

In the crucible of chaos, we emerged not just as defenders of a naval stronghold but as guardians of resilience and unwavering commitment. This chapter in my naval journey stands as a testament to the collective strength and professionalism that defines our armed forces. As we honour the memories of the fallen, we also celebrate the triumph of courage and preparedness in the face of adversity. This experience will forever remain a proud moment of accomplishment, a narrative of duty fulfilled, and a poignant reminder of the price paid for the freedom we safeguard.