The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect linked to the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks that claimed 166 lives. The announcement was made by former US President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House.”...Read Full Article >>➤
I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, to face justice in India, ” Trump stated.”
So he is going to be going back to India to face justice. ” Although Trump did not initially name the suspect, a joint statement from both governments later identified him as Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani- origin businessman from Chicago and a Canadian citizen.
Rana is accused of supporting Lashkar- e- Taiba, the Pakistan- based Islamist group that India holds responsible for the attacks. The Pakistani government has consistently denied any involvement in the incident.
The Mumbai attacks began on 26th November 2008 and lasted three days, targeting multiple high- profile locations, including luxury hotels, a train station, and a Jewish community centre.
Armed militants carried out coordinated assaults, leading to the deaths of 166 people and injuring hundreds more. The incident shocked the world, highlighting the growing threat of international terrorism.
Lashkar- e- Taiba, the group allegedly supported by Rana, was accused of masterminding the attacks. India has long demanded accountability for the incident, stressing the need for justice for the victims.
Rana is accused of providing logistical support to Lashkar- e- Taiba. According to US and Indian authorities, he used his immigration business in Chicago as a front to facilitate travel for the attackers. He allegedly collaborated with David Coleman Headley, another Pakistani- American who admitted to scouting locations for the attacks.
Rana was arrested in the US in 2009 and was convicted in 2011 for supporting the terrorist group but was acquitted of charges directly related to the Mumbai attacks. India has since been seeking his extradition to face trial.
The decision to extradite Rana marks a significant step in US- India counterterrorism cooperation. It underscores the commitment of both nations to combat international terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.
During the press conference, Trump also addressed questions about Sikh separatists residing in the US, whom India considers security threats due to their calls for an independent Khalistan state. Although Trump did not provide a direct response, he emphasised the ongoing cooperation between the US and India on crime- related matters.
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Since 2023, US- India relations have faced tensions over allegations of India targeting Sikh separatists in North America. The situation escalated when Washington charged a former Indian intelligence officer in connection with a foiled assassination plot against a Sikh separatist leader in the US. India has maintained that it is investigating the allegations.
The extradition of Tahawwur Rana is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between Washington and New Delhi, showcasing their shared commitment to justice and counterterrorism. It also sends a clear message about international cooperation in combating terrorism.
Indian officials have welcomed the decision, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanking the US for its support. ” This is a significant moment for justice and for the families of the victims of the Mumbai attacks, ” Modi stated. ...Read Full Article >>➤
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