RAW's role can't be ruled out; terrorists to be dealt more aggressively: Malik
 
29-05-2010
 
Minister for Interior Rehman Malik Friday said the involvement of Indian intelligence agency RAW cannot be ruled out in Lahore terror attacks that claimed 70 lives and injured another 40 worshippers of Ahmadia sect. “About Balochistan I am sure that RAW is involved in saboteur activities. But, for Lahore we are investigating,” the minister informed talking to mediapersons. “At least 70 people have been killed in terror attacks.  Involvement of RAW cannot be ruled out; however any thing concrete would come forth after investigation,” Malik explained.

He said Ministry of Interior had sent two security alerts to the Punjab government on May 13 and May 26 respectively about possible terrorist activity in Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

“But it is yet to be probed whether the security measures taken by the provincial government were adequate or not. I have sought report from the Punjab government on the incident,” said the minister, adding that the involvement of Taliban and Al-Qaeda elements would also be probed.

He said according to the intelligence reports, Abdul Jabbar alias Nasrullah was planning to carry out saboteur activity in Lahore and Qari Hussain was plotting terrorist attacks in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore and had also brought suicide jackets from Bannu.

“One militant apprehended from spot hails from Punjab. Such people have their headquarters in Jhang. It is not a secret. They had been carrying out terrorist activities for years,” he said.

Rehman Malik assured all out support to Punjab government and said, he would visit Punjab within a week or so to discuss the issue.

“I had always been vocal that such militants exist in Punjab.  If two explosive-laden trucks are seen in DG Khan, what they are for there. Obviously, they have some objectives,” he said.

He said the terrorism has grown 25 years old. One generation has passed and no doubt, it is challenging task to curb them.

“In the past they used to carry out attacks on daily basis.  Now they act after a month or two. But it is government’s resolve to uproot them in toto,” said the minister.

Rehman Malik said he had proposed his Indian counterpart Chidambaram to discuss the issues over table of dialogue in the interest of both the states.

“We cannot see the loss of innocent lives. There is a need to devise a common strategy. Pakistan will lead in this regard as it has been a victim of terrorism and sacrificed its citizens, security forces personnel and law enforcement agencies officials,” said the interior minister.

He said Pakistan expects international community to lend a hand for in its efforts for deliverance from terrorism and restoring peace.

“The government would never lose its muscles. A more aggressive action would be taken against mercenaries and killers of innocent citizens,” Malik added.