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<!--Pakistan government has now accepted that he is a Pakistani. Please don't remove the word "Pakistani" from Infobox or the lead.-->
{{Infobox Person
| name = Ajmal Amir Kasab
| image = Mohammed Ajmal Kasab.jpg
| image_size =250px
| caption = Ajmal while in operation at CST station
| birth_date = July 13, 1987<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120259961000.htm|title=A journey into the Lashkar|author=Swami, Praveen|date=December 2, 2008|accessdate=2008-12-05|publisher=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
| birth_place = {{flagicon|PAK}} [[Faridkot, Okara]], [[Pakistan]]
| nationality = {{flagicon|PAK}} [[Pakistani]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.net/wps/wcm/connect/Dawn%20Content%20Library/dawn/news/pakistan/surviving-gunmans-identity-established-as-pakistani-ss
|title=Surviving gunman’s identity established as Pakistani |publisher=Dawn (Pakistani Newspaper) |date=[[2009-01-07]]|accessdate=2009-01-07}}</ref>
}}
{{main|2008 Mumbai attacks}}
'''Mohammad Ajmal Amir Iman''' ([[Urdu]] محمد أجمل أمير إيمان), belonging to the '''Kasab''' or [[butcher]] community,<ref name="thehindu_ajmal_amir_name">{{cite news | first=Praveen | last=Swami | pages= | language =| title= Terrorist's name lost in transliteration | date=2008-12-06 | publisher=[[The Hindu]] | url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/06/stories/2008120661211200.htm |accessdate=2008-12-06}}</ref> is a [[Pakistani]]<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= |authorlink= | title=Mumbai gunman is Pakistan citizen | date=7 January 2009 | publisher= | url =http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=in/0-1-0&fp=4964a95aeb6ee49c&ei=K_xkSb7oN6Te6APil7XkAw&url=http%3A//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7816285.stm&cid=1287365448&usg=AFQjCNEOhMUG_k1cgvZUjZfe2RnikBTTsg | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2009-01-07 | language = }}</ref> [[terrorist]] involved in the [[November 2008 Mumbai attacks]].<ref name="azam">{{cite news | title = Planned 9/11 at Taj: Caught Terrorist | url = http://www.zeenews.com/nation/2008-11-29/487150news.html | publisher = Zee News | date = 2008-11-29}}</ref><ref name="b-mirror">{{cite news | title=‘Please give me saline’ | url = http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=1&contentid=2008112920081129095627277cedee9e0&sectxslt= | publisher = Bangalore Mirror | date = 2008-11-29}}</ref> Ajmal Amir is the only terrorist captured alive by police and is currently in [[India]]n custody. The Government of Pakistan initially denied that Ajmal was from Pakistan, but in January 2009, it officially <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.net/wps/wcm/connect/Dawn%20Content%20Library/dawn/news/pakistan/surviving-gunmans-identity-established-as-pakistani-ss
|title=Surviving gunman’s identity established as Pakistani |publisher=Dawn (Pakistani Newspaper) |date=[[2009-01-07]]|accessdate=2009-01-07}}</ref> accepted that Ajmal Amir Kasab was a Pakistani citizen.

Ajmal's name has been reported differently<ref name="thehindu_ajmal_amir_name"/><ref name="timesIndia_copsgavename" /><ref name="timesIndia_kasavbutcher" /> by various sources due to an initial [[Ajmal Amir#Naming_confusion|naming confusion]] immediately after his arrest:
* '''Ajmal Kasab''' <ref>{{cite news|title=Now, arrested terrorist Ajmal says kill me|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Now_arrested_terrorist_Ajmal_says_kill_me/articleshow/3775413.cms}}</ref>
* '''Azam Amir Kasav'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120257410100.htm|title=Mumbai massacre story unfolds in terrorist’s interrogation}}</ref>
* '''Ajmal Qasab'''<ref name="sky">{{cite news|title= Suspect Arrest | url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Mumbai-Terror-Attacks-Sky-News-Gets-Exclusive-Footage-Of-Gun-Suspect-Ajmal-Qasabs-Arrest/Article/200812115168244?lpos=World_News_Top_Stories_Header_0&lid=ARTICLE_15168244_Mumbai_Terror_Attacks%3A_Sky_News_Gets_Exclusive_Footage_Of_Gun_Suspect_Ajmal_Qasabs_Arrest|first=Video Of Mumbai Suspect's Arrest |date=2008-12-01|publisher=Sky News|accessdate=2008-12-02}}</ref>
* '''Ajmal Amir Kamal'''<ref name="hindu-kamal">{{cite news|title=Three Lashkar fidayeen captured|date=2008-11-29|publisher=The Hindu|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/28/stories/2008112862080100.htm}}</ref>
* '''Ajmal Amir Kasab'''<ref name="et-it-kasab">{{cite news|title=Arrested terrorist says gang hoped to get away|date=2008-11-29|publisher=Economic Times, India| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Arrested_terrorist_says_gang_hoped_to_get_away/articleshow/msid-3772281,curpg-1.cms}}</ref>
* '''Azam Ameer Qasab'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/we-trained-in-lashkar-camps-arrested-terrorist/392088/|title=Indian Express: we trained in Lashkar camps, arrested terrorist}}</ref>
* '''Mohammad Ajmal Qasam'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?id=28080&t=1&c=33&cg=4&mset=|title=Business Intelligence Middle East}}</ref>
* '''Ajmal Mohammed Amir Kasab'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/10_terrorists_had_entered_Mumbai_Police/articleshow/3774122.cms|title=Times of India: 10 terrorists have entered Mumbai}}</ref>
* '''Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasar'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gulfnews.com/world/India/10263664.html|title=Gulf News: Lone surviving gunman reveals operation details}}</ref>
* '''Amjad Amir Kamaal'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120157370100.htm|title=The Hindu: Pakistan now holds the key to probe: investigators }}</ref>
* '''Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab'''<ref>{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7796381.stm|title=Gunman 'requests Pakistan help'|date=2008-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Times|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5339635.ece|title=British police to interview Mumbai suspect Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab|date=2008-12-15|author=Sam Coates and Jeremy Page}}</ref>

==Background==
His father makes a living selling [[dahi puri]] from a snack cart in [[Faridkot, Okara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=6385015|title=Mumbai Terrorist Wanted to 'Kill and Die' and Become Famous}}</ref><ref name="et_family details">{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Captured_Terrorist_Ajmal_Amir_Kasav_tells_his_story/articleshow/3786708.cms|title=Captured Terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasav tells his story}}</ref> His elder brother Afzal, 25, works as a laborer in [[Lahore]].<ref name="et_family details"/> His elder sister, Rukaiyya Husain, 22, is married in the village.<ref name="et_family details"/> A younger sister Suraiyya, 14, and brother Munir, 11, live in Faridkot with the parents.<ref name="et_family details"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/We_were_reassured_of_escape_after_the_attack_Kasab/articleshow/3785601.cms|title=We were reassured of escape after the attack: Kasab}}</ref>

According to reports, the village of Faridkot is quite poor with a remote feel, despite being close to a town. Most people have little education and live in poverty. On the side of a building, just outside Faridkot, graffiti in large lettering says, in Urdu, "Go for jihad. Go for jihad. Markaz Dawat ul-Irshad". 'Markaz Dawat ul-Irshad' is a parent organization of [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]].<ref name="DepalpurID">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/world/story/57251.html|title=Pakistani villagers confirm home of Mumbai killer, McClatchy Newspapers, 06-Dec-2008}}</ref>

===Early life===
Ajmal went to school till age 13 and left in 2000. He then briefly joined his brother in Lahore, who worked as a labourer, and then returned to Faridkot.<ref name="express_pettythief">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/from-petty-thief-in-multan-to-terror-face-in-.../393264/|title=From petty thief in Multan to terror face in India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://themoderatevoice.com/places/europe/united-kingdom/24701/mumbai-update-1100-am-est/|title=The Moderate Voice, quoting New York Times}}</ref>

He left home after a fight with his father in 2005.<ref name="et_family details"/> He had asked for new clothes on [[Eid]], but his father could not provide them, which made him angry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200812121323.htm|title=Ajmal is my son, says Mumbai attacker's father}}</ref>

He then became involved in petty crime with his friend Muzaffar Lal Khan, soon moving on to armed robbery.<ref name="express_pettythief" />
On Dec 21, 2007, Bakr-Eid day, they were in Rawalpindi trying to buy weapons when they encountered members of [[Jama'at-ud-Da'wah]], the political wing of [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]], distributing pamphlets. After a brief chat, they decide to sign up for training with the Lashkar-e-Taiba, ending up at their base camp, [[Markaz Taiba]].

Initial reports offered a conflicting view of Ajmal Amir as fluent in [[English language|English]], and from a middle class background.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5272189.ece|title=Father of Mumbai gunman, Azam Amir Kasab, 'paid by terrorists to hand him over'}}</ref> However, an interrogator and Mumbai deputy police commissioner stated that he spoke rough [[Hindi]] and barely any English.<ref name=Times>{{cite news |first=Rhys |last=Blakely |title=Mumbai police to use truth serum on 'baby-faced' terrorist Azam Amir Kasab |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5280084.ece |publisher=The Times |date=2008-12-03 |accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref>

Some sources said his father asked him to join the militant group, [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] so that he could use the money they gave him to run the family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1210832|title=Kasab says his father sent him to LeT}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5274161.ece|title=CCTV shows start of Mumbai massacre}}</ref>

===Training===
Ajmal Amir is alleged to be among a group of 24 men<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5265938.ece|title=City fears five terrorists are missing}}</ref> who received training in marine warfare at a remote camp in mountainous [[Muzaffarabad]] in Pakistani-controlled [[Azad Kashmir]]. Part of the training is reported to have taken place on the [[Mangla Dam]] reservoir.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Rahman
| first = Maseeh
| coauthors = Jones, Sam
| title = Rumours abound as inquiry begins its search for truth
| work =
| pages =
| language = English
| publisher = The Guardian
| date = 2008-12-01
| url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/01/mumbai-terror-attacks-india-pakistan1
| accessdate = 2008-12-01}}</ref>

[[Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi]], a senior commander of the [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]], reportedly offered to pay his family [[Pakistani Rupee|Rs.]]150,000 for his participation in the attacks.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Swami
| first = Praveen
| coauthors =
| title = Pakistan now holds the key to probe: investigators
| work =
| pages =
| language = English
| publisher = The Hindu
| date = 2008-12-01
| url = http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120157370100.htm
| accessdate = 2008-12-01}}</ref>
Another report said the 21-year old man was recruited from his Punjab, Pakistan home in part based on a pledge by recruiters to pay USD $1,250 US (Rs. 62,412.50) to his family when he became a martyr.<ref name=NPR-2008-12-03>{{cite news|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97621922|title=Bombs found in Mumbai train station a week later|date=2008-12-03|accessdate=2008-12-03|publisher=[[National Public Radio]]}}</ref> Other sources put the reward to USD $4,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=6385015|title=Mumbai Terrorist Wanted to 'Kill and Die' and Become Famous}}</ref> Ajmal's father has recently confessed that it is a routine process of youths being recruited from their village and elsewhere from Pakistan for Jihad missions by Lashkar-e-Taiba, for hefty pay in return.{{Fact|date=January 2009}}

====Stages of training====
{{Refimprovesect|date=December 2008}}
This batch of 25 went through the following stages of training:{{Fact|date=December 2008}}
*'''Psychological''': [[Indoctrination]] and [[brainwashing]] via continuous exposure to [[Islamist]] [[propaganda]], including compiled footage of alleged Indian atrocities in [[Jammu & Kashmir]], and imagery of the alleged sufferings of Muslims in [[India]], [[Chechnya]], [[Palestine]] and across the globe.{{Fact|date=December 2008}}
*'''Basic Combat''': Lashkar’s basic combat and [[terror]] methodology course, the ''Daura Aam''.{{Fact|date=December 2008}}
*'''Advanced Training''': Selected to undergo advanced specialised training at a camp near [[Mansehra]], a course the organisation calls the ''Daura Khaas''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120259961000.htm|title=A journey into the Lashkar, Praveen Swami, The Hindu, 02-Dec-2008}}</ref> This includes advanced weapons and explosives training supervised by retired personnel of the [[Pakistan Army]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/world/asia/04india.html?_r=2&hp|title=New York Times, Quoting a former US defence official}}</ref> along with [[survival training]] and further [[indoctrination]].
*Finally, an even smaller group selected for specialised marine commando and navigation training given to the [[fidayeen]] unit selected to target Mumbai. They were taught how to survive at sea, on ground, and how to control thirst and hunger.{{Fact|date=December 2008}}

From the batch of about 25, 10 were handpicked for the Mumbai mission.<ref>{{cite news
| last=Lakshmi
| first=Rama
| title=Details Emerge From Sole Arrested Gunman
| language=English
| publisher=The Washington Post
| date=2008-12-03
| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/02/AR2008120202968_2.html
| accessdate= 2008-12-03}}</ref> They also received training in [[swimming]] and [[sailing]], besides the use of high-end weapons and [[explosives]] under the supervision of LeT commanders. According to a media report citing an unnamed former Defence Department Official of the [[United States|US]], the intelligence agencies of the US had determined that the former officers from Pakistan's Army and its powerful [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] agency assisted actively and continuously in training.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/world/asia/04india.html?hp|title=Ex-U.S. Official Cites Pakistani Training for India Attackers
|date=2008-12-03|accessdate=2008-12-04|publisher=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> They were given blueprints of all the four targets - [[Taj Mahal Palace & Tower]], [[Oberoi Trident]] hotel and [[Nariman House]].

==Involvement in 2008 Mumbai attacks==
He was captured on [[Closed-circuit television|CCTV]] during his attacks at [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]] along with another terrorist, Ismail Khan. Ajmal Amir reportedly told the police that they wanted to replicate the [[Islamabad]] [[Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing|Marriott hotel attack]], and reduce the Taj Hotel to rubble, replicating the [[9/11 attacks]] in India.<ref name="azam"/>

Ajmal Amir and his accomplice Abu Dera Ismail Khan, age 25, attacked the [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]] (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station. They then moved on to attack a police vehicle at [[Cama Hospital]], in which senior Mumbai police officers ([[Maharashtra]] [[Anti Terrorist Squad|ATS]] Chief [[Hemant Karkare]], Encounter Specialist [[Vijay Salaskar]] and Additional Commissioner of [[Mumbai Police]] [[Ashok Kamte]]) were traveling in a police vehicle (a white [[Toyota Qualis]]). After killing them in a gun battle and taking two constables hostage in the Qualis, Ajmal Amir and Ismail Khan drove towards Metro cinema. Ajmal Amir joked about the bullet proof vests worn by the police and killed one constable when his mobile phone rang. They fired some shots into a crowd gathered at Metro Cinema. They then drove towards Vidhan Bhavan where they fired a few more shots. Their vehicle had a tire puncture, so they stole a silver [[Škoda Laura]] and drove towards [[Girgaum Chowpatty]].{{Fact|date=December 2008}}<!-- this whole paragraph requires citations-->

Earlier, the D B Marg police had got a message from police control at about 10pm, saying that two heavily armed terrorists were at large after gunning down commuters at CST. 15 policemen from D B Marg were sent to Chowpatty where they set up a double barricade on Marine Drive. They were armed with 2 self-loading rifles (SLRs), two revolvers and [[lathi]]s (or batons).<ref name="toi_lathi">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Police_overcomes_deadly_terrorists_at_Chowpatty/articleshow/3810544.cms|title=Police_overcomes_deadly_terrorists_at_Chowpatty}}</ref>

The Skoda reached Chowpatty and halted 40 to 50&nbsp;feet from the barricade. It then reversed and tried to make a U-turn. A shootout ensued and Abu Ismail was killed. Azam lay motionless playing dead. Assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Ombale, who was armed only with a lathi, was killed when the police charged the car.<ref name="toi_lathi"/> Umbale took five bullets, but held on to Ajmal's weapon, enabling his colleagues to capture him alive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080076384&type=News|title=Saluting a braveheart, the man who helped capture Qasab}}</ref> A mob gathered and attacked the two terrorists. This incident was captured on video.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Mumbai-Terror-Attacks-Sky-News-Gets-Exclusive-Footage-Of-Gun-Suspect-Ajmal-Qasabs-Arrest/Article/200812115168244?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Region_6&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15168244_Mumbai_Terror_Attacks%3A_Sky_News_Gets_Exclusive_Footage_Of_Gun_Suspect_Ajmal_Qasabs_Arrest|title=Sky News Footgage of gun suspect Ajmal Qasab's arrest}}</ref>

Some reports said that Ajmal Amir was shot and had bullet wounds in his hand or both hands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122834446748477265.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#|title=Sole Captured Suspect Offers Grim Insights Into Massacre }}</ref> There are other reports by doctors who treated him that he had no bullet wounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/No-bullet-hit-Kasab--no-active-treatment-on--says-hospital-s-dean/393116|title=No bullet hit Kasab, no active treatment on, says hospital's dean}}</ref>
<!--Initially he pretended to be dead and was being taken to the [[Topiwala National Medical College and Nair Hospital|Nair Hospital]] when a police officer figured out he was breathing. Initially he remained silent, however later seeing the mutilated body of another slain terrorist he begged doctors to put him on saline and saying "I do not want to die". Azam confessed in front of officers from the [[Anti Terrorist Squad|ATS]].<ref name="b-mirror"/>-->

While it is reported that he told the police that he was trained to "kill to the last breath",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/we-wanted-to-kill-5000-surviving-terrorist-says/2008/11/30/1227979845539.html?page=2|title=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>
when he was arrested, he pleaded with the medical staff: "I do not want to die. Put me on saline".<ref name="coward">{{cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/11292008/news/worldnews/india_terror_timeline_141432.htm|title=Terrorist: 'I Do not Wanna Die'; Mumbai Mass Killer Turns Coward|last=Fanelli|first=James|date=2008-11-30|publisher=New York Post|accessdate=2008-11-30}}</ref> Later, after interrogation in the hospital by the police, he said: "Now, I do not want to live". Requesting the interrogators to kill him for the safety of his family in Pakistan who could be killed or tortured for his surrender to Indian police. [[Fidayeen]] terrorists are strictly instructed by Lashkar commanders not to be captured and interrogated, use aliases instead of their real names and hide their nationality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/world/13499-terrorists-posed-as-malaysian-students|title=Straits Times article}}</ref> He is also quoted as saying "I have done right, I have no regrets".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/we-wanted-to-kill-5000-surviving-terrorist-says/2008/11/30/1227979845539.html?page=2|title=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Reports also surfaced that the group planned to escape safely after the attack, ruling out this being a suicide mission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/We_were_reassured_of_escape_after_the_attack_Kasab/articleshow/3786776.cms|title=We were reassured of escape after the attack Kasab}}</ref> It is also reported that he expressed to Indian police his willingness to switch loyalties, saying: "If you give me regular meals and money I will do the same that I did for them".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=6385015|title=Mumbai Terrorist Wanted to 'Kill and Die' and Become Famous}}</ref>

Ajmal Amir has told interrogators that right through the fighting, the Lashkar headquarters from [[Karachi, Pakistan]] remained in touch with the group, calling their phones through a voice-over-internet service. Investigators have succeeded in reconstructing the group’s journey through the [[Garmin]] [[GPS]] set that has been seized from him. The mail sent from a bogus group calling itself the [[Deccan Mujahideen]] claiming responsibility has been traced to a [[Russia]]n proxy which was then traced back to [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]] with the help of the [[FBI]]. It was in fact the Lashkar-e-Toiba operating under an alternate name after being banned by U.S.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/99F16988F6BDB91165257511003FB3F5?OpenDocument|title=Lashker-e-Taiba members learnt Hindi before Mumbai attacks|date=2008-11-30|publisher=Press Trust of India|accessdate=2008-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Terror_mail_routed_through_Pakistans_Lahore/articleshow/3781555.cms|title=Terror mail routed through Pakistan's Lahore|date=2008-12-02|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=2008-12-05}}</ref>

=== Nationality ===
After the attacks, India asserted that Ajmal was a [[Pakistani]] national based on his confession and evidence gathered due to the information provided by him. <ref>[http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx%3FNewsID%3D25012&cid=1286214446&usg=AFQjCNE5EoStCK2WBjKPbKpqljRZaDnKgw Enough evidence, now Pak must act: Pranab Mukherjee]</ref>

Several reporters visited the village in Pakistan where Ajmal Amir said his family lived, and verified the facts provided by him.<ref name="FaridkotVisit">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/07/mumbai-terrorism-india-pakistan|title=Revealed: home of Mumbai's gunman in Pakistan village, The Observer, 07-Dec-2008}}</ref><ref name="KasabID">{{cite news | first= | last= | pages= | language =| title=Mumbai terrorist came from Pakistan, local villagers confirm | date=2008-12-07 | publisher=[[The Observer]] | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/07/mumbai-terrorism-india-pakistan1 |accessdate=2008-12-07}}</ref><ref name="DawnSpecial">{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.net/wps/wcm/connect/Dawn%20Content%20Library/dawn/news/pakistan/revealing-the-faridkot-mumbai-link-wk|title=Revealing the Faridkot-Mumbai link, Dawn News special report, 12-Dec-2008}}</ref> Former [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Pakistan Prime Minister]], [[Nawaz Sharif]] confirmed that Ajmal Amir was from Faridkot village in Pakistan, and criticized President Zardari for cordoning off the village and not allowing his parents to meet anyone.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200812191645.htm|title=Why cordon off Kasab's village? Nawaz Sharif|date=2008-12-19|publisher=The Hindu|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref>

Investigative journalist [[Saeed Shah]] travelled to Ajmal Amir's village and produced [[Identity document#Pakistan|national identity card]] numbers of his parents, Mohammed Amir and Noor Elahi soon after they themselves disappeared on the night of December 3rd, 2008.<ref name=observer>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/07/mumbai-terrorism-india-pakistan|title=Revealed: home of Mumbai's gunman in Pakistan village|author=Shah, Saeed|publisher=The Observer|date=December 7, 2008}}</ref>

Also, the [[Mumbai Police]] said that much of the information that Ajmal Amir provided had proved to be accurate. He disclosed the location of a fishing trawler, MV Kuber, that the terrorists used to enter Mumbai's coastal waters. He also told investigators where they would find the ship captain's body, a satellite phone and a [[Global positioning system|global-positioning device]], which they did.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122834446748477265.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#|title=Sole captured suspect offers grim insights into massacre, Wall St Journal, 04-Dec-2008}}</ref>

Despite mounting [[evidence]], Pakistani officials, including President [[Asif Ali Zardari]], initially denied the assertion that Ajmal Amir was Pakistani. <ref name="EcoTimes_Sharif">[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Ajmal_Kasab_is_Pakistani_says_Sharif/rssarticleshow/3865125.cms Ajmal Kasab is Pakistani, says Sharif]</ref><ref name="Express_Sharif">[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/After-India-Sharif-slams-Zardari-says-Kasab-from-Pak/400494/ After India, Sharif slams Zardari, says Kasab from Pak]</ref> Pakistani government officials attempted to erase evidence that there was a [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] office in Deepalpur, near Kasab's village. The office was hurriedly closed in the week of December 7. Moreover, at Faridkot many residents and local plainclothes police appeared to be trying to hurriedly [[cover up]] Ajmal Amir's connection with the village. The atmosphere turned hostile, and several reporters who went to Faridkot were roughed up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120859411000.htm|title=Revealed: Home of Mumbai gunman in Pakistani village, The Hindu Online, 08-Dec-2008}}</ref>

In January 2009, a month after the attacks, Pakistan's [[national security advisor]] [[Mahmud Ali Durrani]] admitted to Ajmal Amir being a Pakistani citizen. The Pakistan Government hastily acknowledged that Ajmal Kasab was a Pakistani, but also announced that Prime Minister [[Yousaf Raza Gilani]] had fired Durrani for failing to take Gilani and "other stakeholders into confidence" and for a "lack of coordination on matters of national security." <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/world/asia/08pstan.html?_r=1 Gunman in Mumbai Siege a Pakistani, Official Says - NYTimes]</ref>

== Police interrogation ==
=== Naming confusion ===
Ajmal Amir was arrested in Mumbai, which is located in the state of [[Maharashtra]], where the main language is [[Marathi]]. On 6 December 2008, the newspaper [[The Hindu]] reported that the police officers who interrogated him did not speak his language, [[Punjabi]], and misinterpreted his [[caste]] origin "kasai", meaning [[butcher]], to be a surname, writing it as "Kasav".<ref name="thehindu_ajmal_amir_name"/>

[[The Times of India]] reported a different version of the error. The Times said that the police officers correctly understood that Ajmal Amir does not have a [[surname]]. In order to satisfy an administrative requirement that people have surnames, the officers 'used the "Indian way"' by asking Ajmal Amir for his father's profession, and decided to use this word, "butcher", or "Kasab" in [[Urdu]], as his surname.<ref name="timesIndia_copsgavename">{{cite news | first= | last= | pages= | language =| title=Mumbai cops gave Ajmal his surname | date=2008-12-07 | publisher=[[Times of India]] | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Mumbai_cops_gave_Ajmal_his_surname/articleshow/3803029.cms |accessdate=2008-12-07}}</ref><ref name="timesIndia_kasavbutcher">{{cite news | first= | last= | pages= | language =| title=Cops called him 'Kasav' as dad was a butcher | date=2008-12-07 | publisher=[[Times of India]] | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Cops_called_him_Kasav_as_dad_was_a_butcher/articleshow/3803542.cms |accessdate=2008-12-07}}</ref>

Various officials made minor corrections they thought were needed to the Latin alphabet spelling. Eventually, native Hindi and Punjabi speaking police officers talked to Ajmal Amir and discovered the error.<ref name="thehindu_ajmal_amir_name"/> [[The Hindu]] refers to Ajmal Amir as either "Mohammad Ajmal Amir, son of Mohammad Amir Iman" or "Mohammad Ajmal Amir Iman".

=== Confessions ===
Ajmal Amir was caught<ref name="azam">{{cite news |title=Planned 9/11 at Taj: Caught Terrorist |url= http://www.zeenews.com/nation/2008-11-29/487150news.html |publisher=Zee News |date=2008-11-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |title=I want to live: Captured terrorist Azam |work=Politics/Nation |publisher=economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=2008-11-29 |url= http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/I_want_to_live_Captured_terrorist_Azam/articleshow/3772298.cms |accessdate=2008-11-29}}</ref> at [[Girgaum Chowpatty]] Naka in Mumbai trying to escape in a car<ref>{{cite news |last=Wade |first=Matt |title=Captured terrorist reveals plot to kill up to 5000 |publisher=[[The Age]] |date=2008-12-01 |url= http://www.theage.com.au/world/captured-terrorist-reveals-plot-to-kill-up-to-5000-20081130-6nrv.html?page=-1 |accessdate=2008-1201}}</ref> and taken to the Nair hospital. According to preliminary investigations by intelligence agencies, Azam is from [[Faridkot, Pakistan|Faridkot]] in [[Pakistan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/02/mumbai-gunman-faridkot|title=Sleepy village baffled by link to captured terrorist}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7759309.stm|title=Hunting Mumbai terrorist's roots }}</ref> (near [[Multan]], not to be confused with a town of the same name found in India<ref>{{cite web|url=http://features.csmonitor.com/breaking/2008/12/02/captured-mumbai-attacker%E2%80%99s-identity-eludes-investigators/|title=Captured Mumbai attacker's identity eludes investigators}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21530&sectionid=4&issueid=82&Itemid=1|title=Pak security agencies, media search for Mumbai terrorist's native village}}</ref>)<ref name="azam"/> and had received arms training in Pakistan.<ref name="bm-saline">{{cite news|title=Please give me saline|date=2008-11-29|publisher=Bangalore Mirror|url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=1&contentid=2008112920081129095627277cedee9e0&sectxslt=}}</ref> [[Ammunition]], a [[satellite phone]] and a layout plan of [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]] was recovered from him. He has provided many clues to the investigation agencies and has reportedly described how they arrived at Mumbai from [[Karachi]] via [[Porbandar]]. He has reportedly said that he and other terrorists had received [[revolver]]s, [[AK-47]]s, [[Magazine (firearms)|ammunition]] and [[dried fruit]], from their coordinator.<ref name="bm-saline"/> Ajmal reportedly told the police that they wanted to replicate the [[Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing|Marriott hotel attack]] in [[Islamabad]], and reduce the Taj Hotel to rubble, replicating the [[September 11 attacks]] in India.<ref name="bm-saline"/> Kasab also told Indian police that the terrorists targeted Nariman House, where the Chabad center was located, because it was frequented by Israelis, who were targeted to "avenge atrocities on Palestinians."<ref>[http://jta.org/news/article/2008/11/30/1001254/terrorist-we-were-sent-to-target-israelis Terrorist: We were sent to target Israelis], Jewish Telegraph Agency (JTA),November 30, 2008.</ref><ref name=israelis>{{cite news |url= http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702365053&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull |title=Terrorists at Chabad House 'deliberately targeted' Jewish building |publisher=''Jerusalem Post'' |date=[[2008-11-30]] |accessdate=[[2008-11-30]]}}</ref><ref name=avenge>{{cite news |url= http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1711188 |title=Kasab confesses, says no regrets on Mumbai mayhem |publisher=''MSN News'' |date=[[2008-11-30]] |accessdate=[[2008-11-30]]}}</ref>

Mumbai Joint Police Commissioner of Crime Rakesh Maria said, information came out from his interview with Kasab that he is from the Faridkot village in the Okara district of Pakistan's Punjab province. He is the son of Mohammed Amir Kasab.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/03/india.attacks/index.html|title=Kasab is the son of Mohammed Amir Kasab from the Faridkot village in the Okara district of Pakistan}}</ref> Pakistani authorities repeatedly said there was no evidence of such a person in Pakistan. But reporters have visited the village near Depalpur, in Okara district, and identified the parents as named by Mumbai police. Villagers have confirmed that he indeed lived there. On the night of Dec 3rd 2008, the parents were whisked away by a bearded Mullah, and since then, there was evidence of a cover-up by plainclothes police. Villagers changed their stories, and reporters who visit there are now being roughed up.<ref name="DepalpurID">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/world/story/57251.html|title=Pakistani villagers confirm home of Mumbai killer, McClatchy Newspapers, 06-Dec-2008}}</ref>

It is reported that Ajmal Amir told the police that he and his associate, Ismail Khan, were the ones who shot Anti-Terror Squad chief [[Hemant Karkare]], encounter specialist [[Vijay Salaskar]] and Additional Commissioner [[Ashok Kamte]]. According to the police, Ajmal Amir entered the Taj posing as a student from [[Mauritius]] and had stored explosives in one of the hotel's rooms.<ref name="qasad">{{cite news |url= http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Election_Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080074564&type=News |title=Arrested terrorist reveals all to police |date=2008-11-29 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |accessdate=2008-11-29}}</ref>

====Confessions on video====
He repeatedly asks the interrogators to turn the camera or he will not speak. But statements caught on video were:{{Fact|date=December 2008}}

His definition of Jihad "Come, kill and die after a killing spree. By this one will become famous and will also make Allah proud,"<ref name="ABCUSA_AjmalAmirvideo">{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=6385015&page=2|title=Mumbai Terrorist Wanted to Kill and Die and Become Famous, ABC News, 03-Dec-2008}}</ref>

According to the officer, Ajmal Amir spoke Pathani Hindi and told the police that he threw up the moment he saw all the blood and gore. "Qasab said that he could not bear the sight of dead bodies and after creating enough havoc wanted to go back to Pakistan," the officer said.{{Fact|date=December 2008}}

Ajmal Amir had but a limited understanding of jihad, based on the statements he made to authorities. He told interrogators "it is about killing and getting killed and becoming famous." "Come, kill and die after a killing spree. By this one will become famous and will also make Allah proud," is what the suspect said when police asked him what he understood about jihad.<ref name="ABCUSA_AjmalAmirvideo" />

"We were told that our big brother India is so rich and we are dying of poverty and hunger. My father sells dahi wada on a stall in Lahore and we did not even get enough food to eat from his earnings. I was promised that once they knew that I was successful in my operation, they would give Rs 150,000, to my family)," said Qasab.<ref name="ABCUSA_AjmalAmirvideo" />

He shocked police through his readiness to switch loyalties now that he was apprehended.<ref name="ABCUSA_AjmalAmirvideo" />

"If you give me regular meals and money I will do the same for you that I did for them," he said.<ref name="ABCUSA_AjmalAmirvideo" />

"When we asked whether he knew any verses from the Quran that described jihad, Ajmal Amir said he did not," police said. "In fact he did not know much about Islam or its tenets," according to a police source.<ref name="ABCUSA_AjmalAmirvideo" />

=== Other reports ===

In a press conference, the Mumbai city police commissioner said "The person we have caught alive is certainly a Pakistani. They were all trained by ex-army officers, some for a year, some for more than a year".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/02/AR2008120202968.html|title=Washington Post - Indian Investigators reveal details culled from arrested gunman, retrieved 3-Dec-2008}}</ref> On November 23rd they set sail from Karachi unarmed to be picked up by a larger vessel. They hijacked the Indian fishing trawler ''Kuber'' and set sail for Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/we-wanted-to-kill-5000-surviving-terrorist-says/2008/11/30/1227979845539.html?page=2|title=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

''[[The Times]]'' reported on December 3 that Indian police were going to submit Ajmal Amir to a [[Narco Analysis|Narco Analysis test]] to definitively determine his nationality.<ref name=Times>{{cite news |first=Rhys |last=Blakely |title=Mumbai police to use truth serum on 'baby-faced' terrorist Azam Amir Kasab |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5280084.ece |publisher=The Times |date=2008-12-03 |accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref>

== Legal issues ==
Several Indian lawyers refused to represent Ajmal Amir citing ethical concerns. A resolution was passed unanimously by the Bombay Metropolitan Magistrate Court's Bar Association, which has more than 1,000 members, saying that none of its members will defend any of the accused of the terror attacks.<ref name="lawyers_refusal_rediff">[http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/dec/06mumterror-lawyers-refuse-to-defend-kasab.htm Lawyers refuse to take up arrested terrorist's case]</ref>

Ajmal Amir has written to the Pakistani High Commission in India requesting help and legal aid. In the letter, he confirmed the nationality of himself and the nine slain terrorists as Pakistani.<ref name="letter_BBC>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7796381.stm Gunman 'requests Pakistan help']</ref> He also asked the Pakistani High Commission to take custody of the body of fellow terrorist Ismail Khan, who was killed in an encounter in south Mumbai on the night of November 26th.<ref name="TOI_letter">[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_hands_Kasabs_letter_to_Pak_mission/articleshow/3875700.cms India hands Kasab's letter to Pak high commission]</ref> Pakistani officials confirmed the receipt of the letter and were reported to be studying its details.

==See also==
* [[Lashkar-e-Toiba]]
{{Navbox 2008 Mumbai attacks}}

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080075633&type=News Ajmal Amir Qasab: The making of a terrorist]
* [http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Sharif-acknowledges-Kasab-belongs-to-Pak--slams-Zardari/400494/ After India, Sharif slams Zardari, says Kasab from Pak]
* [http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/I_want_to_live_Captured_terrorist_Azam/articleshow/3772298.cms I want to live: Captured terrorist Azam]
* Photos of Mohammad Ajmal Amir: [http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/mumbai_11_28/m05_17178177.jpg boston.com],[http://images.photogallery.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?photoid=3761459 Indiatimes], [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-making-of-a-coldblooded-killer-1054435.html?action=Popup&gallery=no independent.co.uk]
* [http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Mumbai-Terror-Attacks-Sky-News-Gets-Exclusive-Footage-Of-Gun-Suspect-Ajmal-Qasabs-Arrest/Article/200812115168244?lpos=World_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15168244_Mumbai_Terror_Attacks%3A_Sky_News_Gets_Exclusive_Footage_Of_Gun_Suspect_Ajmal_Qasabs_Arrest Mumbai Gunman Azam Amir Kasav's arrest caught On Camera]
* [http://media.mcclatchydc.com/smedia/2008/12/07/00/967-WEBterror1.standalone.prod_affiliate.91.jpg photo of Ajmal Amir's family home], early December 2008, by Saeed Shah/MCT<ref name="DepalpurID" />
* [http://www.mid-day.com/news/2008/dec/101208-Mumbai-Terror-attack-Mohd-Amir-Qasab-Taj-Mahal-Hotel-Trident-Hotel-Cst-station.htm Qasab's full confession] -- first-person account of Ajmal Amir, as told to the police. [[MiD DAY]].
* [http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21308§ionid=4&issueid=82&Itemid=1 Please kill me,I have come to die]
* [http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1717858 Butcher of Mumbai now on vegetable diet]

[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Pakistani terrorists]]
[[Category:People of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks]]
[[Category:Terrorism in India]]
[[Category:Lashkar-e-Taiba members]]
[[Category:Islamist terrorists]]
[[Category:Muslims with sect missing]]

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