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Indians claim terrorists took orders from Pakistan
Neeta, the sister of deceased bystander Harish Gohil, who was shot dead, mourns over the body of her brother during his funeralDean NelsonTHE Indian authorities yesterday claimed to have proof that the Mumbai terrorists were receivinginstructions from Pakistan and discussing tactics with their handlers during the three days of attacks in which they killed at least 195 people. The claims threaten further to embitter relations between the two nuclear powers. Tensions have been high since confirmation that the only captured gunman was a 21-year-old Pakistani.It has also emerged that India had been warned that terrorists were planning an attack inMumbai. Up to 22 foreigners were among those killed in raids by 10-15 terrorists on sites acrossthe city, including hotels, the main railway station, a Jewish community centre and two hospitals.The last of the gunmen was killed by Indian commandos yesterday morning, ending the siege atthe Taj Mahal Palace hotel. One hotel worker was found alive and 22 bodies were removed. Asmany as 80 bodies may still be in the building.One Briton has been confirmed dead and last night the Foreign Office refused to say whethermore UK citizens could be among the victims in the wreckage of the hotel.RR Patil, the deputy chief minister of Mumbai’s state government, said there was “proof” that the terrorists were onthe phone to someone in Pakistan during the attack.“All phone calls made by them were tapped. They were being instructed from outside regardingtheir movement inside the hotel - whether to go upstairs or come down or make a move left orright,” he said. Patil also claimed that the terrorists had intended to kill at least 5,000 people,making for a greater atrocity than 9/11. The Pakistan government denied any involvement in theattacks but backtracked on a decision to send the chief of its spy agency to India to help theinvestigation. Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan’s president, promised to take the “swiftest of action” if there was evidence the terrorists came from his country. Yesterday the Indian authorities firmly denied reports that up to seven of the attackers were British. Intelligence sources in the UK saidthey were unaware of any evidence that British nationals were involved.
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