Pakistan should give maximum punishment to 26/11 attackers: Antony

New Delhi – India will not be satisfied till Pakistan gives maximum punishment to the perpetrators o! f 26/11 Mumbai attack, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Monday.

Coastal security was “very weak” before the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008 but now it was “vibrant” and “strong”, Antony told reporters on the sidelines of an awards function here.

“Before 26/11, coastal security apparatus was very weak but now we have been able to establish a vibrant and strong coastal security,” Antony said.

He said coordination with other stakeholders involved in coastal security has also improved.

Asked about lack of firm action on part of Pakistan against those responsible for the attack that left 166 people dead, Antony said the perpetrators should be brought to book.

“They (Pakistan) should book the culprits and unless they are given maximum punishment, I don’t think our nation will be satisfied,” Antony said.

Ten heavily armed Pakistani terrorists had landed undetected in Mumbai’s Badhwar Park in Colaba from the sea Nov 26, 2008, and laid ! siege to several key locations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus,! Taj Mahal Hotel, Chabad House and Leopold Cafe.

The terror assault ended three days later when security forces killed nine of the gunmen. One of the attackers, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive. He was hanged a year ago after a trial.