The United States has sought a jail term of 30 to 35 years for American born Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist David Headley for his role in Mumbai attack and other terror activities.

Attorney Gary S Shapiro in a 20-page government’s position-paper as to sentencing factor related to Headley said; the government submits that a sentence of 30 to 35 year's imprisonment strikes a fair and just balance between the aggravating and mitigating factors applicable to Headley.

The US Government said that Headley played an essential role in the planning of a horrific terrorist attack. It added that his advance surveillance in India contributed to the deaths of approximately 164 men, women, and children, and injuries to hundreds more.

The US attorney said; Headley not only worked at the direction of Lashkar-e-Taiba for years, but also with members of al-Qaeda. He said the life imprisonment would be an appropriate punishment for Headley's incredibly serious crimes but the information that Headley provided following his arrest and in subsequent proffer sessions was of substantial value to the Government and its allies, India in particular, in its efforts to combat international terrorism.

He said; Headley's cooperation assisted the Government in filing criminal charges against at least seven other individuals, and his testimony helped to secure the conviction of one co-defendant. So the government will move the Court to sentence Headley at a point below the life imprisonment that the Guidelines recommend.