Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai

India’s financial capital, Mumbai, is gradually returning to normality even as fears were raised there may still be five more terrorists on the loose.

The possibility that more gunmen are still at large fueled public anger over the government’s handling of the terrorist attack  — the worst to hit India in 15 years, leaving 188 dead, including at least 29 foreigners, and more than 300 injured.

Indian authorities said the captured attacker revealed under police questioning that their group intended to kill 5,000 people. To prepare for the assault, they had undergone more than six months of training by a former member of Pakistan’s army in commando-style tactics. The training was conducted in a Lashkar-e-Taiba camp in Pakistan and included hostage-taking techniques, close combat, explosives, and satellite navigation.

A fishing boat used by the attackers to reach Mumbai contained equipment good for 15 men, including 15 winter jackets and 15 toothbrushes. This has led to suspicions of more gunmen still unaccounted for.

In addition, investigators believed more people — at least 5 more individuals — helped in preparations for the attack, including arranging logistics and doing reconnaissance. The whereabouts of this support group remains unknown. The network could be reactivated and used in future operations. According to some analysts, the level of logistical support indicated the involvement of Mumbai’s notorious gang, D Company.

Public anger has mounted as reports emerged that the government had received intelligence reports from the United States, warning about a potential attack by sea against Mumbai at least one month before the actual event on Nov. 26. It also appeared that Indian intelligence had monitored a telephone intercept on Nov. 18, mentioning a plan to attack the financial capital.

Two national officials responsible for security have already resigned, including India’s Home Minister. The chief minister of Maharashtra state, which includes Mumbai, has also offered to resign while his deputy has already been sacked.

US FBI and UK Scotland Yard teams have arrived to offer assistance in the ongoing investigations. Pakistan has promised full cooperation. Both India and Pakistan have been careful to avoid issuing statements that could trigger a mobilization of troops along their border.

Indian officials have already declared that despite a very hostile mood prevailing against Pakistan these days, a military mobilization is not likely. But the emerging rapprochement and ongoing dialogue between the two countries may be put on hold.

The possibility of closer cooperation between the two traditional adversaries could be the most important victim of the recent terrorist attack.