Clinton honours Mumbai attacks victims

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday paid tribute to the victims of last year’s Mumbai attacks, meeting those who escaped the carnage and calling for worldwide unity against terror.

Clinton, on her first visit to India as Washington’s top diplomat, began the first full day with a commemoration at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, where she is staying and where 31 guests and staff died during a 60-hour siege.

In a private meeting, she met 13 members of staff from the Taj and the nearby Trident-Oberoi hotels, which was also stormed by Islamist militants on November 26.

The employees included Taj general manager Karambir Kang, whose wife and two sons died in the attack. Despite losing his family, he continued to work and direct rescue operations.

She later told a news conference she was “deeply touched” at meeting the staff, whom she said “deserve our gratitude”.

“As events of 26/11 unfolded, the US stood with Indians, as Indians stood with America after September 11. These events are seared in our collective memories,” she said.

US officials said Clinton was in sombre mood and spent about five minutes writing a message in a memorial book and reading other tributes at the landmark, waterfront hotel.

She wrote: “Americans share a solidarity with this city and nation. Both our people have experienced the senseless and searing effects of violent extremism.

“And both can be grateful and proud of the heroism of brave men and women whose courage saved lives and prevented greater harm on 26/11 and 9/11.

“Now it is up to all nations and people who seek peace and progress to work together. Let us rid the world of hatred and extremism that produces such nihilistic violence.

- AFP