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| Pakistan refuses to be drawn into speculation | | Samjhauta Express bombing by terrorists: Gen. Kareem | | BL KAK
New Delhi Feb 26
Major General Afsir Kareem, South Asia terrorism expert, has said that the attack on Samjhauta Express last week near Panipat in Haryana, which killed 68 people, was by those opposed to the India-Pakistan peace process. Even as no terrorist organisation has yet claimed it6self to be behind the terror act, the Indian intelligence agencies have pointed to the fingerprint of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).
Significantly, the Pakistan government, on its part, has refused to be drawn into speculation. Islamabad wants the investigation to be completed before making a comment. Is it surprising that Samjhauta Express should have been targeted by terrorists? Answering this question in a media interview, Major General Afsir Kareem said: The Samjhauta Express was a sensitive target as it was a transport link between the two countries. The fact that it starts from a crowded railway station like that of Old Delhi, and where the luggage is checked separately, shows there was lax security at the railway station.
When asked to comment on the absence of reaction by terrorist outfits, Gen. Kareem said: "The terrorist organisations do not own up to acts of terrorism where civilians are the target. They only do so when they attack military targets. Commenting on Indian intelligence agencies' needle of suspicion towards the LeT, Gen. Kareem was quoted as saying: "Indian intelligence agencies are catching the menials involved in the terror networks. But they are not getting to the bottom of it. And they also make claims because of the intense pressure to show results".
Asked if he felt the governments of India and Pakistan displayed restraint in the aftermath of the train explosions and did not indulge in rhetorical responses, Major General Kareem said: "Yes. They have shown restraint. But it does not seem to be total. This could be seen in the hasty manner in which the injured Pakistanis were taken away to Pakistan".
Are terrorists against the Pakistan government of President Parvez Musharraf? Gen. Kareem's reply ran thus: "The terrorists are opposed to the India-Pakistan peace process. They are opposed to the governments of both countries, and not of Pakistan alone. They know they cannot stop the peace process but can disrupt it".
When asked if the Pakistan Army troops, including officers, have divorced from the jihadi groups, Gen. Kareem was quoted as saying: "Pakistan Army is a disciplined force. They only follow the policies of the government. Though the Army in Pakistan has now turned away from these groups, there are individuals in the Army and its other agencies who might be offering tacit support to the jihadi groups".
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