Israel on Thursday strongly backed India's decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for its commitment to taking the perpetrators to justice.
"It is heartening to learn of the extradition to India of one of the perpetrators of the horrific and ghastly terrorist attacks that occurred in Mumbai on 26th November 2008 which claimed the lives of over 170 innocent civilians, including Israelis," said Reuven Azar, Israel's Ambassador to India. "I would like to thank the Government of India for its determination in bringing the terrorists to justice."
Rana, who is a Canadian national and a former Pakistani Army medic corps officer, is being extradited to India through a special plane after US authorities sanctioned his extradition. He is due to arrive in Delhi later today, accompanied by a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In Mumbai, Israel's Consul General to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani, commented on the emotional value of the development. "First of all, I would like to congratulate India. I think it's a big success for Indian diplomacy, especially for Prime Minister Modi's government," he said to IANS.
Shoshani further added, "We are extremely delighted that after all these years, India has been able to bring him here to court and have closure regarding what took place on 26/11.". Even now, when I am coming to Nariman House, visiting the Taj Mahal hotel, VT Station, Leopold Cafe, I still experience the smell of ammunition and remember the darkness and the fear of dying in the corridors leading to the Nariman House after 2008. I believe today might not be the complete closure, but it is sure a very significant step."
The 26/11 attacks, which left more than 160 people dead and over 300 injured, were among the deadliest in India’s history. A group of 10 heavily armed terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via the Arabian Sea and launched coordinated assaults across multiple locations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, Nariman House (a Jewish centre), and others.
Nine of the terrorists died in the Indian security operations, and one, Ajmal Kasab, was taken alive into custody. He was subsequently put on trial and executed.
The extradition of Rana is an important milestone for India in its long quest for justice for victims of the 2008 butchery, including Israeli nationals who were specifically targeted at Nariman House.
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