**Title:** Mumbai Attacks Plotter Sought Gallantry Award for Terrorists
**Meta Description:** Tahawwur Rana sought Pakistan’s highest gallantry award for Lashkar terrorists involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, according to US intercepts.
**URL Slug:** mumbai-attacks-tahawwur-rana-gallantry-award
**Headline:** Mumbai Attacks Conspirator Tahawwur Rana Advocated for Gallantry Award for Terrorists
In a shocking revelation, Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the planning of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, expressed his desire for Pakistan’s highest gallantry award to be bestowed upon the nine Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who were killed during the siege. This information emerged from intercepted communications between Rana and co-conspirator David Headley, as disclosed by the US Department of Justice following Rana’s extradition to India.
The coordinated attacks on November 26, 2008, targeted 12 locations across Mumbai, resulting in the deaths of over 166 individuals. Rana allegedly remarked to Headley that the Indian people “deserved it,” reflecting a chilling perspective on the tragic events. In one intercepted conversation, he praised the slain terrorists, suggesting they should receive the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military honor reserved for fallen soldiers.
Of the ten terrorists involved in the attacks, only Ajmal Kasab was captured alive; he was executed in Pune in 2012. Currently, Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian national of Pakistani descent, is in the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). He had moved to Canada in the 1990s and provided logistical support to Headley through his immigration consultancy.
The US statement detailed that Rana had plans to expand his immigration business by opening a branch in Mumbai and appointing Headley as the office manager, despite Headley’s lack of experience in immigration matters. The NIA has charged Rana with multiple offenses, including criminal conspiracy, waging war against India, and violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Additionally, the Justice Department noted that Headley, currently serving a 35-year sentence in the US, received training from Lashkar in Pakistan and maintained direct communication with the group regarding the Mumbai attack plans. Notably, Rana allegedly assisted Headley in preparing and submitting visa applications to Indian authorities on two occasions. Their meetings in Chicago, more than two years prior to the attacks, involved discussions about surveillance activities and potential strategies for the assault on Mumbai.
In conclusion, the revelations surrounding Tahawwur Rana’s actions and statements highlight the ongoing complexities of terrorism and its implications for international security. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the networks that facilitate such attacks and ensuring justice for the victims.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What was Tahawwur Rana’s role in the Mumbai attacks?**
A: Tahawwur Rana was a key conspirator who provided logistical support to David Headley, another plotter of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and has been charged with multiple offenses related to the attacks.