Tahawwur Rana Seeks Pakistan's 'Nishan-e-Haider' for Nine LeT Terrorists from 26/11 Incident
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Synopsis
Tahawwur Rana sought Pakistan's esteemed 'Nishan-e-Haider' award for the slain Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The U.S. extradited Rana to India, where he faces multiple criminal charges related to his role in the attacks that killed 166 people.
Key Takeaways
- Tahawwur Rana sought the 'Nishan-e-Haider' award for slain terrorists.
- Rana is facing 10 criminal charges in India.
- He was extradited from the U.S. to India.
- 166 victims lost their lives in the 26/11 attacks.
- The U.S. supports India's efforts for justice.
New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) Tahawwur Rana sought Pakistan's prestigious award for bravery in combat, 'Nishan-e-Haider', for the nine Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists involved in the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008, who were subsequently killed by Indian security forces.
The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed an intercepted communication between Rana and David Headley following the Mumbai terror attacks.
The statement indicated, "After the attacks concluded, Rana purportedly informed Headley that the Indians 'deserved it'. In a recorded exchange with Headley, Rana allegedly praised the nine LeT terrorists killed during the attacks, asserting that '[t]hey should receive Nishan-e-Haider'—Pakistan's 'highest award for gallantry in battle', designated for fallen soldiers.
According to the statement, Rana is set to face trial in India on 10 criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The U.S. identifies Rana as a convicted terrorist, a Canadian citizen, and a native of Pakistan.
On Wednesday, the U.S. extradited Rana to India, marking a significant advancement in the pursuit of justice for the six Americans and many others who lost their lives in these atrocious attacks.
The U.S. stated that Rana, 64, faces several charges in India, including conspiracy, murder, committing a terrorist act, and forgery, linked to his alleged participation in the 2008 Mumbai attacks executed by LeT, a recognized foreign terrorist organization.
Describing the attacks, the U.S. statement notes: Between November 26 and 29, 2008, ten LeT terrorists executed a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing assaults across Mumbai. They infiltrated the city via the sea and then divided into teams, spreading out to various locations. Attackers at a train station fired weapons and hurled grenades into crowds. Assaults at two restaurants involved indiscriminate gunfire directed at patrons. At the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the attackers shot guests and detonated explosives. There were also shootings at a Jewish community center.
When the chaos finally ended, 166 individuals, including six Americans, were dead, alongside all but one of the LeT terrorists. Hundreds were injured, and Mumbai incurred over $1.5 billion in property damage.
The U.S. described the attacks as "some of the most horrific and catastrophic in India’s history".
Prior to the extradition, India provided comprehensive investigation reports, documents, and evidence to substantiate Rana's involvement in the 2008 terrorist incident.
The U.S. claims that "India asserts Rana aided in creating a fraudulent cover to allow his childhood friend David Coleman Headley (born Daood Gilani), a U.S. citizen, to travel freely to Mumbai for surveillance of potential attack locations for LeT. India contends that Headley received training from LeT members in Pakistan and maintained direct communication with LeT regarding plans to assault Mumbai."
Moreover, Rana reportedly consented to establish a Mumbai branch of his immigration business, appointing Headley as the office manager, despite Headley’s lack of experience in immigration matters. On two occasions, Rana allegedly assisted Headley in preparing and submitting visa applications to Indian authorities with known false information, the statement highlights.
Rana also allegedly provided documentation through his unsuspecting business partner to support Headley’s attempt to gain formal approval from Indian officials to open a branch of Rana’s business. "Over more than two years, Headley allegedly met Rana multiple times in Chicago, detailing his surveillance actions on behalf of LeT, LeT's responses to Headley’s activities, and LeT's plans regarding the Mumbai attacks," the statement adds.
U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that on April 9, the United States extradited Rana, 64, to India "to confront justice for his role in orchestrating the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks."
She stated, "The United States has consistently endorsed India's endeavors to hold accountable those responsible for these attacks, and as President Trump has indicated, the United States and India will persist in collaborating to combat the global menace of terrorism."
