Mumbai: Was Israel willing to negotiate with the 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorists, who had taken hostage some Jews at Nariman house, or was it buying time?
This question came to the fore as a CD of telephonic conversation between an Israeli officer and terrorists was played in the special court trying the Mumbai attacks case.
The Israeli officer had spoken to the terrorist to ensure the safety of their brethren in Nariman house.
In the conversation recorded by the police, three voices -- those of an Israeli officer, an interpreter and a terrorist -- were heard.
The Israeli officer asked one of the two terrorists-- Imran Babar and Nasir -- whether they had hurt or killed anyone in Nariman house to which the latter replied "Abhi Tak Kisi Ko Thappad Nahi Mari Hai (We have not even slapped anyone)".
"We are working very hard and we want to be helpful. If you want us to be helpful, no one should be hurt, otherwise we cannot negotiate. Don't lose patience," said the officer in the brief conversation intercepted by the police.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, November 03, 2009, 16:05