MUMBAI: The Nariman House in the Colaba area of south Mumbai appeared to be powerhouse and nerve centre of the Pakistani terrorists in this commercial capital which has been established at least two months ago.

Also, it is clear that they were in constant communication - as soon after the security forces captured the Trident Hotel off the Marine Drive, the firing and grenade blasts at the Taj Mahal Hotel at Gateway of India and Nariman House increased manifold and they shot outside also.

"It was their safe house and they were here for several months for the reconnaissance," a highly-placed Intelligence official told Sakaal Times, adding that it appeared that they knew the maps better.

Nariman House was located at such a place that it was not easily accessible from the sea side or land. Hence helicopter operations were launched and NSG commandos were slithered down. "The total carpet area of Nariman House is not even 100th of Trident or Taj, but the maximum resistance came from them," the official said.

It was carefully selected by them and several kgs of ammunitions were stored there. Also there were reports of huge quantity of food ordered by them – mainly chicken and meat. They were also carrying dryfruits.

As far as the two hotels are concerned, the senior official said that they have checked in as guest under fake names and were staying there for months. "They knew the hotel well even better their own staff," the official said and added that not only they knew the details of the lift of staircases, but they also knew lifts which are used by the hotel service people – and so as some of the ladders inside.

"Rifles and magazines have been brought in, in a phased manner spread over several days," the official said and added that all the terrorists were in touch with each other and their masters. "The planning has been carried out on a need-to-know basis, so as to prevent leaks," he said. "They have proper layouts of the hotels and knew the entry and exit points very well – that is why they have been able to sustain such an operation for such a long period," the official added