Unravelling terror

Pakistani cooperation on 26/11 can galvanise the bilateral peace process 

The arrest of Syed Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jundal, marks a significant development in the investigations into the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai. Ansari, hailing from Beed in Maharashtra, was purportedly one of the main handlers of the 10-man hit squad — including Ajmal Kasab — and was present in the terrorist control room in Karachi during the attack. Ansari's testimony could not only help tie up the loose ends in the 26/11 probe but also provide crucial evidence confirming the suspected ISI hand in the terrorist operation. This in turn should put more pressure on the Pakistani authorities to prosecute the masterminds of the 26/11 terror plot. 

If Ansari's voice sample matches that of one of the terrorist handlers, then along with David Headley and Kasab, he would represent the triangle of planning, facilitation and execution behind the 26/11 attack. It is now clear that the terror plot was extremely elaborate with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives spanning international boundaries. In this context, Ansari's arrest also represents a major diplomatic victory for New Delhi. That both the US and Saudi Arabia — from where Ansari was deported to India — provided vital cooperation to nab him is significant. In light of the global nature of Islamist terrorism, such multilateral cooperation needs to be the cornerstone of our anti-terror strategy. 

It is true that Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism. While certain elements in the Pakistani establishment may continue to believe in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy, terrorism spreading to Pakistan itself has denuded support for it. In such a scenario, it makes little sense for Islamabad not to cooperate in the 26/11 investigations. The evidence against Pakistani suspects behind 26/11 is mounting. Several detailed dossiers have already been provided to Islamabad. Yet, it continues to withhold critical evidence such as voice samples of 26/11 suspects. 

 Pakistan must bear in mind that concrete cooperation on its part would be a game-changer and provide a huge fillip to the bilateral peace process. It would bridge the trust deficit that plagues the resolution of other outstanding issues such as Kashmir and Siachen. On the other hand, shielding those responsible for international terrorist activities — including LeT chief Hafiz Saeed — is bound to increasingly isolate Pakistan. New Delhi should continue to press Islamabad for its cooperation and hand over any new evidence gathered on the basis of Ansari's testimony. It also needs to be on its guard to thwart any LeT plots already in the works. 

Courtesy : Times of India