M A I N   N E W S

Terror groups still active in Pak: Deputy NSA
Tribune News Service

“The Pakistan Council that includes Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front for the Lashkar-e-Toiba, is one such platform. An array of terror groups that have previously exhibited the ability to carry out operations in several states of India continue to enjoy much latitude in Pakistan and remain very active,” Sandhu said. An old hand in anti-terror operations, Sandhu said: “Limitations imposed on their (terror groups') recruitment schemes, training venues, fund collection mechanisms and infiltration platforms following the November 2008 Mumbai attacks evaporated a few years ago.

Sections of the state apparatus continue to extend support to these groups, he said. “Unrestrained outpouring of vituperative propaganda against India has not caused the Pakistan government to impose any restrictions. With the number of cadres available to them, these groups have spare potential despite having dedicated many of their cadres to eastern and central parts of Afghanistan in the last few years,” he said.

Sandhu said “launching pads” along the Pakistan border will be re-activated with the onset of summer and determined infiltration attempts will be made. “As we head into the summer, launching pads are likely to be re-activated and determined attempts will be made for infiltration. The burden for thwarting the same will essentially fall upon the BSF,” he warned.

Sandhu also spoke of the security situation along India's eastern flank where it shares the border with Bangladesh. “Proxy platforms of (Pakistani) outfits in Bangladesh, although exposed in many places, continue to maintain their vitality. Recent investigations show that the Indo-Bangladesh border has been exploited by terrorists for clandestine movements of their colleagues and hardware,” Sandhu said.

He said the completion of the border fence was a “pressing requirement” and best practices from across the world could be borrowed to secure the vulnerable riverine areas along Indian borders. He also cited the example of an anti-infiltration fence erected by Singapore in the sea.

Startling disclosures

“Conflict entrepreneurs” working hard to create an atmosphere of “animosity” against India

Terrorist groups that had earlier perpetrated violence and killings in India continue to enjoy “much latitude” in Pakistan

Unrestrained outpouring of vituperative propaganda against India has not caused Pakistan to impose restrictions

Launch pads are likely to be re-activated at the onset of summer and attempts will be made for infiltration