The calls between terrorists Abu Ummar and Imran Babar, and their handlers, had been recorded by the ATS. They reveal how one of the gunmen had to be coaxed into helping his associate fight the NSG who were closing in on them.

The terrorists, who eventually killed six Israeli hostages including Rabbi Gabriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, were told the death of Israelis would ruin the growing relations between the two countries. They were told to kill the hostages as soon as they felt the commandos closing in on them.

Handler: Fire jap open hojayenga toh aap unko khatam kar do. Jaab aapne dekha ki aapke upaar dabaw aa raha hai, sabse pehle inhe khatam karo. (When firing begins, then you should kill them. When you see them building pressure on you, first thing you do is kill them).

Handler: Abhi baat yeh hai ki in logoko bachane ke liyein approach aa rahi hai. Agar yeh log maare jaatein hain toh shor mach jayega. (The point is that people are trying to save them. If these hostages are killed then there will a huge hue and cry)

After the conversation, on the directions of their handlers, the gunmen killed two hostages. They were also told to make sure after the firing that the hostages had died.

Handler: Kaam hoga ki nahin abhi? (Will the job be done now?)

Terrorist: Abhi aapkein saamne, aapki call ka intezar kar raha tha. (We were waiting for your call)

Handler: Karein bismillah(Firing sound)

Terrorist: Ek ko maine, ek ko Ummar ne maara (One hostage was killed by me and one by Ummar)

As the NSG advanced, Ummar almost gave up and had to be motivated. Imran Babar broke into English while speaking to his handlers.

Imran: My colleague, my friend, is normal courage, I want that his courage is brought up, his morale get up I closed him. That is why I closed him otherwise he.. He is some anxiety, he is feeling some fatigue, kya khayaal hai.

Handler: Aap bilkul pareshan na ho, use samjhatein hai, Inshallah. Aap Ummar se baat karo. Inshallah aapka saath dega. Aap fikar naa karein. Aab na sahi, jab shadat lene ho sar ucha karkein lene chaiyein (You don’t panic, I will advise him, Put him on the line, God willing he will help you. You don’t worry. When it’s time for martydom, you should hold your head high).

Handler: Aapne namaz padhtein hai na. (Did you offer prayers)

Ummar: Haan padh liya namaz.. (Yes I did)

Handler: Aab sher ki tarah garajna hai, Inshallah. (Now roar like a tiger, God willing).