New Delhi, Nov 26 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to the victims and heroes of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and said that it was one of the dastardly attacks that shocked the nation and can never be forgotten.

He said and it is the courage and strength of India that "we are now giving a befitting reply to the terror activities".

Addressing the 107th episode of his monthly broadcast programme of 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister said, "We can never forget this day when India faced its most heinous terror attack."

He recalled that it was on this very day that the country had come under the most dastardly terror attack. "And it is the courage and strength of India that overcame it and is now giving a befitting reply," the Prime Minister said.

"I pay my tributes to the people who lost their lives and also pay my tributes to the bravehearts who laid their lives to protect the nation," PM Modi said.

A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The attack was carried out by 10 well-trained Pakistani terrorists, who laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people at several iconic and vital locations of Mumbai, including Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Hotel Taj, Trident Hotel, Nariman House -- a Jewish Centre among others.