Mumbai: Mohammad Ajmal Kasab, the only surviving gunman in the terror attacks on Mumbai last November, surprised a special trial court here by pleading guilty to the violence that left nearly 180 dead and several injured.
His confession, in which he admitted he was a Pakistani national, comes as a shot in the arm for the prosecution and a big boost for India which has been trying to get Pakistan to accept that the attackers were from that country.
Kasab's confession not only lays bare the entire sequence of events, right from the time the attackers left Karachi, but also claimed Lashkar-e-Taiba's Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi
was the mastermind behind the attacks.
Kasab said Lakhvi had instructed him and others to conduct fidayeen attacks on Mumbai. He also named one Abu Hamza as one of the Pakistani handlers.
He told the judge he was involved in the firing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and in nearby Cama Hospital on the night of November 26, 2008.
More than 130 witnesses have deposed in the trial taking place in a special court in the premises of Arthur Road Jail, where Kasab is lodged.
At around 11.30am on Monday, when a police constable was deposing before the court, Kasab gestured to his lawyer Abbas Kazmi, saying he wanted to speak to Special Judge M.L. Tahiliyani.
When Kazmi told this to the judge, he allowed the accused to speak. Kasab then stunned the court by saying: "Sir, mujhe mera gunaah kabool hai" (Sir, I plead guilty to my crime).
Initially, he had retracted his confessional statement and then tried to evade the trial by saying he was a minor.
He started narrating what he said was the entire sequence of events, right from the moment his Pakistani handlers sent him and nine other terrorists off when they boarded a ship at Karachi.
He said each of them was handed a bag containing an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, eight hand grenades and three sets of two ammunition magazines each.
They were also given a GPS set, which was handled by the leader of the group. Each of them was also given a mobile handset.
Long journey
Kasab told the court that they sneaked into the city from the Arabian Sea after spending three days and four nights on the high seas.
They sailed in Indian waters in an Indian fishing trawler called Al Kuber, whose captain, Amarsinh Solanki, was killed by the terrorists.
The gunmen landed near Cuffe Parade at a fishermen's colony, and then went to CST in a taxi, in which they planted a bomb before alighting. The bomb exploded later in Vile Parle area.
Kasab also described in detail how he and his associate, Abu Esmail, later shot by the police, went to a CST toilet and assembled one of the bombs by installing a timer in it for use later.
Special Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam said outside the court: "Now there is no doubt that the conspiracy was hatched by Pakistani nationals. I was shocked when Kasab confessed. I never thought this would happen. The truth has come out after a lot of hard work."
Do you expect the recent talks between Zardari and Singh to translate into concrete action? What can the two countries do to avoid incidents like the Mumbai attacks?
Your comments
Terrorism has no religion and nationality and everyone has to accept this reality. All countries have to fight against it because it has no boundaries. Every country should be careful and responsible in giving their reactions because any over reaction can bring two nations in front of each other and it will be a further destruction in the region, in short strengthen the hands of terrorist groups. Hoping for best from leaders of both countries to bring peace in the region and avoid blame games for shifting their responsibilities on others.
Javed Hussain Khan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 16:02
He should be punished without mercy, so the future generation shall refrain from doing so.
Sikha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 15:39
umpteen number of articles would have been written about Kassab , the prime suspect for the Mumbai attack, hundreds of shows would have been telecasted with all kinds of debate on Kasab , but what everywhere somehow everyone seems to have missed is to discuss the nations ability to prevent such recurrence of activities. All the money being spent on Kasab's security, gaining evidence against it and the neighbouring country, would just go down the drain if tomorrow some new terrorist from an altogether new country repeats the act. What the Indian Government should understand is that the victory does not lie in Kasab?s acceptance, but in doing everything to foil any repetitions.
Abhishek Kishore
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 13:34
What I don?t understand is what is the government trying to prove that the person was a Pakistani? The person has been held for almost 8 months and no one knows what he went through and out of the blue what initiated his so called confession. Why are Muslims being defamed worldwide and who is behind this? Am pretty sure that the government has enough resources to check if the guy is actually Pakistani and didn?t have to wait for his confession. With today?s technology where the entire history of a person can be drawn from his Iris scan or finger print what made the government wait for the person's confession. I am an Indian and have nothing against Pakistanis. But I still feel that the reality is still being held up by government officials and this is a shame in spite of us having the freedom of press.
Rashid Seddiqi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 13:26
what is the decision of both prime ministers? hope they are not asleep in this issues.
JES
Chennai,India
Posted: July 21, 2009, 13:11
I may not be Indian nor Pakistani, but I considered Ghandi to be a an ideal character representing both ethnicities and nation. His biggest disappointment was when India and Pakistan separated. Ask yourselves, after the many years of political conspiracies, with the nation held completely blind from the truth, can it actually point fingers at others? Hasn't there been enough killing, executing, bombing and protesting for one year? Death toll has increased drastically by the end of 2008 and now 2009. Terrorists have no religion and no country; they only represent a myth and a fantasy which involves the killing of millions of innocent people. If we accuse countries and nations for one/group of terrorists' mistakes, despite previous political conflicts, then peace and stability will never seize to exist. It becomes sick to the stomach when you read on the media some politician saying "this is the truth", because 30 years from now, someone else will say "This was a lie". If this man really commits all these killings and still considers himself a minor, then he is lying. Probably under threats, pressure and tension to satisfy an innocent that's awaiting answers from the attack. If he was saying the truth, then may the Almighty bless this world sooner before lunatics decide to randomly cause another massacre. Let the people decide the fate of their nation, not just the government.
Moose
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 13:10
It is a fact that both India and Pakistan are victims of terror strikes at many past occasions and have lost life and property at length. There have been several dialogues exchanged between various diplomatic levels; however, no significant improvement was evidenced that satisfies both ends. The recent talks between Zardari and Singh were very informal and did not expect a major breakthrough in the relations between the countries. The world now realises Pakistan?s position in tackling terrorism after it fought with Taliban militias, a war which is still going on. I think it is very important for both countries to come to the meeting table with a clear agenda with priority on security related issues and appropriate actions and follow up plans. There is absolutely no proper follow up and reviews of actions that have been initiative in the past. Since both countries face terror challenges, it is a must they both seriously review the strategies and identify a common route to deal with incidents of this nature. India and Pakistan must be spending heavily on security matters due to the increasing threats from anti-social elements. The defence funding of both countries have witnessed massive raise in recent years, a significant part of which is being allocated to terror related security build up. Step to be taken to control weapons falling into the hands of extremists. Exchange vital information leading to attacks of similar nature. Both leaders should meet on a regular basis and build a confidence among them, which can be transferred to down levels in respective administration. I think it?s a good opportunity for Pakistan to join hands with India and seriously fight against terrorism. Let more attention be given to the welfare of people.
Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi,Oman
Posted: July 21, 2009, 12:43
I am an Indian. But why there are no talks on the issue of Balochistan and Swat valley? Don?t people know what Indian embassy and consulates are doing in Afghanistan? My request is to all that please let us (Indians and Pakistanis) come close to each other. We like to be loved only
A. R.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 12:14
Everything is clear now and why is the goverment waiting?? The person who has done this vast disaster has addmitted everything. He should get a historic punishment in public, so if others who are planning to do something like this may put their weopons down knowing that this can happen to them. He should pay the damage he has caused to not hundreds but thousands of family who are suffering in Mumbai. I would say he is a pure terrorist who has no religion and no country. No mercy for this guy.
Yousuf Jariwala
Mumbai,India
Posted: July 21, 2009, 11:25
If the court and Govt. got full proof abt kasab, why then so much delay to hang him and end the matter? Is Govt waiting for another situation like the Indian Airlines hijacking in 1999?
Glen
UK (belongs to mumbai),UK
Posted: July 21, 2009, 11:20
I hope that the two leaders could seek a practical solution for peace in the region, its not only the topic concerned for politicians but all the community has to change their views about the hatred against each other, military forces, intelligence, religious groups, political parties, small groups of layman, student political groups etc all have to participate in the resolution for peace. this hatred against one another didn?t developed instantly, it is developed gradually by discussing the attitude, two nations variations, cultural differentiations etc all instigates to develop such negative thoughts of a layman and it results in hazards. we all need to develop positive approach and thought in our mind from primary level to higher level, than we can argue about the peace resolution other wise its the only discussion in routine baring no result. and as well as terrorists are concerned they are enemies of all nations, its only negative propaganda against Islam, nothing in Islam portrayed to launch militancy against any nation, country or person. Islam provides peace and security to every one without any discriminating. so if any one needs to change the circumstances they have to change the thoughts.
Shahzad Shaikh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 10:23
Terrorists have no religion and no country. The efforts to prove terrorist's religion and country can only help to defame a country and religion but will not help in fighting terrorism.
Syed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 10:06
This is absurd, the lone suspect in custody after prolonged torture will agree to any attacks.. If Indian Government is trying to blame this inside job on to Pakistan, then they are fooling the people.
Musfir Khawaja
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 09:48
Keep up the good work. Couldn't agree more with you.
A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 09:42
After much annoying moments finally the victims of the 26/11 will get some justice. In this case the victim is the entire nation. I think this brings an end to a lot of anxiety caused by the much debated trial of the accused Ajmal kasab.
Makarand Subhedar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 09:23
Pakistan should focus on Education as it plays a vital role atleast the future generation do not fall into extremism.
Suhail Khan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 09:20
we are all praying both country want to go peace , we will expect Singh and Zardari can make good relation with each country
Lalu P. George
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 08:49
Indians and Pakistani's across the world share a great relation and I hope they come to some agreement and finally there is peace between the 2 countries, Pakistani government will have to be stricter in dealing with the terrorist and closely monitor them
Poonam Suri
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 08:47
Why is this happening to us - my best friends in Dubai are Pakistanis! this is all just for making some benefit for someone. aren?t we all the same though in different names and religions. I am dreaming of a day where we stand together to fight this invisible enemy.
Jacob Chacko
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 08:23
The terrorists don?t represent any nationality. No Pakistani likes terrorism neither on his soil nor at someone's soil. Reading this news makes an impression that all Pakistanis are terrorists and being a Pakistani I am offended by this!
Mazhar Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 08:05
Both the countries should start the bilateral talks and try to improve the relation between the two countries and try to increase the trade between the two countries. Strict action should be taken against terrorist groups and it is not only the duty of Pakistan.
Mohammad Salman
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 08:05
If such terrorist attacks been planned and executed in the home country, then in the home country they can execute the persons and the cases. The officials can find the people who are master minded. But in cases, where it is being planned from another country, then it is a really a difficult one. Even the media is very sure about the nationality of the attackers. the government is not in a position to take any big action. Because it might create lot of problems in both the countries in all the aspects. So it is necessary, those countries, should not encourage and they should stop all these activities from their land.
Antony Prabhu
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 08:04
This confession is by force and one sided decision, it should be handled by involving a third party which should be selected by both country.
A Reader
UAE,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 06:17
Both leaders of this country should be having a word of honor and proper discipline and they should be strong enough. Everybody knows about Indian-Pakistan relations and for sure until now both sides are having anger in their hearts. Prayer is the most solution for this two.
Sheril Serrano
Manila,Philippines
Posted: July 21, 2009, 05:53
Both the countries have to resolve the Kashmir issue on priority basis and discuss other matters directly. India should not blame Pakistan in this way they have patience. if they want to keep good relationship. UN plays a vital role to resolve this if they take it seriously.
Hamza Akram
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 04:30
Pakistan government must to take immediate action against terrorist group
Ramesh K.
chennai,india
Posted: July 21, 2009, 03:59
As if they are Pakistani national and caused the chaos in india. And india Gov. blame pakistan openely in media which i believe india has stronger media than pakistan. Indian intelligence agency is also doing the same. well i would say that if they are attacking on each others back then better not to have any talks round the table for peace because this will keep on happening from both sides and only innocent people will suffer but if they want peace then better they stop all these "cheeky attacks" on each other including Kashmir problem.
M. K.
London,UK
Posted: July 21, 2009, 03:58
Terrorism is not bounded by any religion or country. I feel that both the countries should co-operate with each other and defeat terrorism. Instead of blaming each other and creating tensions between the two countries, they should try to improve the national security of both the countries.
Rahul J.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 02:43
