New Delhi: Surender Singh, a former National Security Guard (NSG) commando involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks operation, welcomed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, saying his execution would serve as a “tight slap” to Pakistan and terrorism.
“It’s a significant day for the country. I thank PM Modi, the American President, and all the agencies involved in this extradition process. When he is hanged, it will not only be a victory against terrorism but also a strong message to Pakistan,” Singh, who is now a leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stated.
Recalling his experiences during the rescue operations, Singh shared that he killed two terrorists and rescued 627 individuals from the Taj Hotel during the attacks. He commended the journalists who reported from the scene, acknowledging that their live coverage inadvertently helped the terrorists’ handlers in Pakistan coordinate their efforts.
Singh recounted, “Five commandos were hospitalized during the rescue operations, and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan sacrificed his life while confronting the terrorists. The attackers were highly trained, which is why marine commandos struggled to enter the hotel. I was able to kill two terrorists, and we saved 627 people from the Taj Hotel. Unfortunately, the journalists also risked their lives covering the story, but the live coverage primarily aided the terrorists’ handlers in guiding them.”
In a related statement, Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticized the Congress party for failing to deliver justice for those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed 166 lives. He remarked that during the Congress administration, the captured terrorist Ajmal Kasab was even “served Biryani,” while now Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dedicated to ensuring that attackers face justice on Indian soil.
“During Congress’ era, terrorists attacked the very hotel we are standing in. People died here, yet Congress did nothing to hold them accountable. The one they caught, Kasab, was also treated with Biryani. PM Modi’s determination ensures that these terrorists will be punished for their crimes on our land, making every Indian citizen proud,” Goyal told media.
Additionally, Goyal accused the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) of engaging in “appeasement politics” more actively than Congress. He criticized the INDIA bloc, asserting that they focus on appeasement over positive thinking.
Senior Advocate Majeed Memon emphasized the importance of a “fair trial,” akin to the one received by Ajmal Kasab, who was sentenced to death for his involvement in the 26/11 attacks. He expressed concern about the delayed extradition of Rana, stating it led to prolonged justice, yet deemed the extradition a significant achievement as it allows Rana to face trial in Indian courts for his role in the attacks that resulted in numerous innocent casualties.
“This is a significant accomplishment for us as a notorious terrorist in hiding has been handed over for justice. The 26/11 incident cannot be forgotten because it was a conspiracy conducted in the financial capital of the country, resulting in the deaths of 166 individuals,” Memon remarked.
Earlier in a speech at Network 18’s Rising Bharat conclave, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Rana’s extradition as a significant diplomatic achievement for the Modi government.
Meanwhile, records from the trial related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks have been sent from Mumbai to Delhi as of late January, officially naming both Tahawwur Rana and David Coleman Headley as accused. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed an application for these records’ retrieval from Mumbai.
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for his affiliation with the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and for providing material support for the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks, which killed over 174 people.
His extradition marks a crucial advancement in the quest for justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The central government has designated Advocate Narender Mann as a Special Public Prosecutor to handle the trials and other matters related to the NIA case.
