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Indian Security Chief Resigns Over Mumbai Attacks


India's top security official has resigned, as the government faces angry accusations that it did not do enough to prevent the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil submitted his resignation today, Sunday. He has been replaced by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a meeting of all Indian political parties in New Delhi today that the government is strengthening its security capabilities.

Mr. Singh announced that the main anti-terror force, the National Security Guard, will be increased in size. He also said measures are in place to establish a federal investigating agency. About 175 people were killed in the three-day siege that began Wednesday with coordinated attacks across the city.

Indian commandos killed nine attackers during fierce combat at several locations. One gunman was captured alive and identified as a Pakistani, adding to Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the attack. Pakistan has denied the charge.

U.S. intelligence officials said the attack was consistent with the work of the Pakistan-based Muslim militant group Lashkar e-Taiba. A group calling itself Deccan Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attacks, but it was not clear if that claim is credible. Commandos who confronted the gunmen at the Taj Mahal hotel say they were very well trained, heavily armed and had knowledge of the building. Maharashtra state Home Minister R.R. Patil says the attackers had plans and enough ammunition to kill five thousand people.

Among the 18 foreigners killed were citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Israel, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Australia, Singapore and Mauritius. Earlier reports had said 22 foreigners were killed.

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