Wed Nov 27 04:06:01 UTC 2024: ## 26/11 Survivor Devika Rotawan Remembers, Calls for End to Terrorism

**MUMBAI, INDIA –** Sixteen years after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Devika Rotawan, a key witness who identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab, continues to grapple with the physical and emotional scars of that night. Now 25, Rotawan, who was just nine years old at the time, vividly recalls the chaos at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) where a bullet wound to her leg remains a constant reminder of the tragedy.

Speaking to PTI on the eve of the 17th anniversary of the attacks, Rotawan recounted how she, her father, and brother were caught in the crossfire while traveling to Pune. The bomb blasts and gunfire left her injured and unconscious, requiring surgery to remove the bullet. Despite enduring a month-long hospital stay and ongoing pain, particularly during colder months, Rotawan played a crucial role in the trial, identifying Kasab in court.

“I wanted to kill him myself, but I was just a nine-year-old child,” she stated, adding that her testimony helped convict the sole surviving terrorist. The experience, however, has left a lasting impact, fueling her dream of becoming an officer to fight terrorism and her call for stronger action against its roots.

Rotawan also highlighted the challenges she faced after the attacks, including estrangement from some relatives and ongoing difficulties securing promised housing despite receiving some compensation and assistance from government officials. She urged the public to remember the victims and stand united against terrorism, emphasizing the need for support for survivors and a concerted effort to combat the threat. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating attacks and the enduring strength of those who survived.

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