When they came they took the situation into their hands. That was when we and the public finally got strength. We felt we were safe. They (General Gupta and his officers) took me aside and asked me what had happened and what the situation was like and how many civilians there were. They took a survey.

I had to go across to the INS Kunjali where General Gupta and Major Bhandari were sitting. They wanted to do a survey of the area by helicopter. After that we drew out a full detailed map of the buildings in that area (Surve knows every lane in this area; he often flew kites here as a child).

The NSG decided that they would not do the operation by night. They would first evacuate the remaining civilians. There could not be harm to any civilians at the NSG's hands. Late that night the NSG evacuated the remaining families, who were in Kasturi building and Merchant House (right next to Nariman House).

After doing a survey at night by helicopter the NSG fixed the operation for the next morning. Guptaji and the others told me to make sure I didn't tell this to anyone from the media, so for three days I did not come out. I spent two nights with them.

At 7.15 am the first helicopter set out. I sat at their control tower, where they have a radar room and they were surveying the whole area from a much higher location. I was given wireless headset. When the first helicopter took off they checked with me so see if the route the helicopters were taking to the building was correct. I could see it all happening on the radar screen.

They first landed 16 to 18 black commandos on Nariman House in three trips and then one trip to Prem Bhavan. It took about half an hour. I have a feeling that (NSG commando) Gajendra Singh died then.

Image: The commandos prepare for another round of action. Photograph, courtesy Vijay Surve.

Also see: 'Tukaram Omble deserves an Ashok Chakra'

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