New Delhi, December 26
As External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s scheduled visit to Pakistan in the second week of next month draws near, New Delhi has undertaken a deep-focus appraisal on Pakistan’s real intent on the issue of terrorism.
The Government of India senses that there has been no change on the ground in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as terror infrastructure and camps continue to exist there, as do the militant groups.
Despite assurances and joint anti-terror mechanism, the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK are yet to be dismantled. Equally worrying is that ISI-sponsored outfits like the JeM, the LeT, the Al-Badr and the Hizbul Mujahideen continue to be alive and kicking.
There is a feeling among Pakistan-watchers here that with the successful conclusion of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, India's nuclear establishments could now be targeted by Pakistan-supported terror groups operating from across the borders.
There are intelligence inputs that the terror threat is increasing along India's coastal areas as Pakistan-based terrorists have reportedly decided to use the sea route to infiltrate and induct arms and ammunition into India. Oil refineries near the coast could also be a potential target of the terrorists.
The Centre is already understood to have cautioned the littoral States to establish marine police stations as some of the multi-purpose projects and shipyards continue to be targets of terrorist groups.
The recent terrorist attacks in Delhi, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Malegaon (which were aimed at fomenting communal violence and creating divisions in Indian society), the presence of terror groups in Bangalore and Mysore and the devastating train blasts in Mumbai, demonstrate Pakistan’s capabilities and intentions as far as exporting terrorism into India is concerned.
Defence Minister AK Antony went on record to say on the occasion of Vijay Diwas that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism was continuing unabated in Kashmir. "There is no room for complacency. Pakistan is giving support to terror groups and unless Pakistan takes a decision to stop this, we have to be on the alert. The Army is alert. Our brave soldiers are risking their lives," Mr Antony said.
