Ajmal Amir Kasab's Letter

Times of India - 14/12/08

Mumbai: Pakistan wanted proof and now it is there in the killer’s own words and in his own hand. Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone captured terrorist in Mumbai, has written a three-page letter to the Pakistani High Commission, stating his entitlement to legal help from his country to fight his case in the Indian courts. The document not only settles the debate about Kasab’s origins and that of his fellow terrorists. It is a major embarrassment for Islamabad, which has dithered over publicly accepting that the Mumbai attack was launched from Pakistani soil. What may be worse for Islamabad is Kasab’s confession in Urdu in his letter: ‘‘Mein sabse bara gunehgar hoon, kitne bekasoor logon ki jaan li hain, Khuda mujhe maaf karein (I am the biggest sinner, I have killed so many innocent people, may God forgive me),’’ the terrorist wrote repentantly. With filial devotion, he added, ‘‘Sabse bara gunehgar to mein mere maa-baap ka hoon... unke dil ko thes pahunchaya hain (My biggest crime is against my parents... I have given them immense pain).’’ Kasab has also requested the Pakistani High Commission to bury Ismail Khan in Pakistan. It was Khan’s last wish, the letter said. Khan accompanied Kasab as they spread terror from CST to Girgaum Chowpatty on 26/11. Kasab’s letter has been “forwarded to the Union home department which, in turn, will be sending it to the Pakistani high commission in New Delhi,’’ joint commissioner of police (crime) Rakesh Maria said. Pakistan may find it hard to ignore the letter, which lists details about Kasab and his colleagues. Kasab claims he was brainwashed by LeT and ISI operatives. ‘‘Behak gaya tha mein, Lashkar ke darindon ne mujhe phansa diya (I was misled, Lashkar’s devils ensnared me),’’ he said.