M A I N   N E W S

Intelligence in a fix over identity of killed ultras
Ravi Bhatia
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 24
The inability of the investigating and intelligence agencies in getting a positive fix on the identities of the three terrorists killed in the Tanda Army camp incident immediately, was one of the reasons for the reluctance of the authorities in naming Pakistan for the brazen attack.

Considering the sensitive nature and the seriousness of the incident it was decided at the highest level that prudence should be observed in making public statements till these could be backed by concrete evidence and information even though the intelligence agencies had concluded that it was Pakistan’s ISI-sponsored operation.

Unlike in the previous incidents, the three suspects, believed to be members of the infamous suicide squad of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, carried no tell tale signs of their origin or identity. There were no strips of papers, documents or labels that could lead the investigators to trace their nationalities. The weapons they were carrying were also devoid of any specific markings and could have originated in any country. Their clothes were ordinary and could have been bought in any local market.

This very aspect has further buttressed the assessment of the intelligence analysts here that the meticulously planned operation was the brainchild of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, according to intelligence sources, the investigators have been working overtime in trying to establish the identities of the three suspects whose bodies have been photographed and preserved. The description and the photographs have been sent to various intelligence agencies which normally keep a detailed record of the cadres of different terrorist organisations. The photographs were also being shown to some former terrorists and “unidentified” sources to identify them.

Considering the urgency, the cooperation of the intelligence agencies of at least half a dozen countries has also been sought to help get a fix on their identities. A senior intelligence official said it was crucial to identify the killed terrorists as the investigations cannot move forward without this important information.

The authorities have also activated friendly liaison with several other countries with whom there is no bilateral treaty but only an understanding over exchange of crucial information in the global fight against terrorism.