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A tape played in court in Mumbai on Tuesday drove home some spine-chilling truths about the Mumbai attacks.
The scariest part of the 16-minute tape, played out during the trial of lone arrested terrorist Ajmal Kasab, is a conversation during the 26/11 attack between one of the other terrorists and their Pakistani handler. "This is just the trailer. The government should see what's coming," says the handler.
The tape also has a conversation, between an Israeli negotiator in Washington and one of the terrorists at Nariman House. Even as the NSG was being called in, the Israeli government was apparently willing to negotiate - as long as their hostages were unharmed.
Israeli negotiator: We have contacted the Government in New Delhi, but they need two hours and to arrange for someone to call you. But this is on the condition that they (the hostages) are not harmed.
Terrorist: Tell them that two hours is too long.
Israeli negotiator: We have heard rumours that they are unconscious
Terrorist: They are not just conscious, they are fine. We have not even slapped them.
The Israeli official even asked the terrorists for demands. They asked for the release of their friend, Kasab, who had just been nabbed by the Mumbai Police. Kasab giggled in court, when this portion of the tape was played out.
The Pakistani handlers were also monitoring the Indian media to guide their operation.
Pakistani handler: We want you to talk to the media. Tell them that we want to negotiate. We want to solve this problem. But don't tell them how many hostages we have, or how many of us are here.
Hostage: Ok
Pakistani handler: This will give you a chance to live.
Hostage: When will you release us?
Pakistani handler: As soon as they meet our demands
Hostage: Can I talk from my heart?
Paksitani handler: Ok. Tell me what you want to say
Hostage: (Do) Nothing that will make anybody lose. After all, we have already lost enough.
The conversations underline the role of Pakistani nationals in the 26/11 attacks, and are critical evidence in court.
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