A reporter talks on her phone as smoke is seen coming from Taj Hotel in Mumbai November 27, 2008. (REUTERS/Arko Datta)

9 years on as Mumbai remembers the deadly 26/11 attacks, Hafiz Saeed one of the masterminds of the attack has been granted freedom by the Pakistan government.

On November 26, 2008, ten terrorists entered Mumbai with weapons and plans to carry attacks in key places in the city. The series of attacks lasted over 4 days, killing around 164 people and injuring 305. Throughout the attacks, the focus was Hotel Taj. The terrorists also attacked Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus 'CST' railway station.

President Ramnath Kovind tweeted on the 9th anniversary of the attacks that shook the entire nation.

On the ninth anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks, we mourn with the families that lost their dear ones. And we recall with gratitude the security personnel who gave their lives in the battle against evil - President Kovind wrote.

On this day, we renew our resolve to take on, defeat and eliminate terrorism in all forms - and to make our people, our country and our world safer #PresidentKovind - President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 26, 2017

Meanwhile, Israel has also expressed "deep condolences and solidarity with the people of India on the anniversary of the harrowing terror attack" in a statement.

Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said in the statement: "Together with India, the people of Israel mourn the victims from countries all over the globe including Israel, embrace their loved ones and the survivors. India and Israel, along with nations of the world, must do everything in their power to eradicate extremism and terrorism for a better future."

The Mumbai Police has organised a Salutation Ceremony to pay homage to the people killed in the November 26 attacks. The ceremony is set to take place at the Shahid Smarak at Police Gymkhana at Marine Lines at 9 AM today.

Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, DGP Satish Mathur, city police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar, ministers, senior bureaucrats, police officials and family members of martyrs would pay homage to those who were killed in the attack.

"My daughter was just 9 years old when she got shot, it was traumatic. Yes we are happy that Kasab was hanged but we will not be satisfied till the real mastermind sitting in Pakistan is punished", said the father of 26/11 attacks survivor Devika while talking to news agency ANI.

The terror attacks left many people with nightmares that will haunt them forever. While most of them have moved on with their lives the memories of the day haunt them.

Hundreds of people will pay tribute to the martyrs of 26/11 at key places in Mumbai that were attacked by terrorists. The places include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Taj Hotel at the Gateway of India, Cafe Leopold, Rang Bhavan Lane near Cama Hospital and St Xavier's College.

17 BSF Jawans who set out for Mumbai on November 14 for the 'Martr's ride' are also expected to reach Mumbai today.

(With inputs from PTI)