Peace in the sub-continent post Mumbai
Despite keenness displayed by both the PPP and PML-N governments for improving the Pakistan-India ties, the goal continues to remain elusive. Among the issues that have caused hurdles in the way is the slow pace of trial of the seven Pakistanis who are accused of masterminding the Mumbai attack. While the American-Pakistani David Headley, who made scouting missions to facilitate the assault, was sentenced to 35 years by a court in Chicago early this year, there has been little progress in Pakistan in pursuing the case to its logical conclusion. A panel of Pakistani lawyers has finally examined witnesses of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack.
The trial of the Pakistanis accused of acting as the handlers of the terrorists has begun at Adyala jail. Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister AK Antony as called for maximum punishment for those accused of orchestrating the attacks. New Delhi believes there is a clear trail of evidence in the Mumbai incident and the links between information, intelligence and evidence are easy to establish. As the panel did not have the opportunity to cross examine Ajmal Kasab, questions were raised by the lawyer defending the accused regarding the admissibility of Kasab’s recorded testimony. It appears that the prosecution will have to rely mainly on the reports gathered by Pakistani intelligence itself which have identified the location of the training camps as well as the boats used by the terrorists to reach Mumbai. The courts in Pakistan are free. The terrorist networks have however frequently threatened and as in the case of journalist Wali Khan Babar even killed the witnesses. Much will depend on how the witnesses produced by the intelligence agencies testify in the court.
Nawaz Sharif is keen to improve ties with India. Whenever things start moving towards peace something suddenly goes wrong. Twice this year when both sides seemed to be poised for a breakthrough, clashes erupted on the LoC bringing the conciliation process to a grinding halt. In January, India accused elements from Pakistan crossing the LoC and beheading an Indian soldier. The claim was rejected by Pakistan. In August an incident inside the Indian controlled Kashmir led to exchange of fire for days all along the LoC. Apparently there are powerful forces whose interest lies in keeping the pot boiling. Unless the two countries manage to bring them under control, peace overtures may not bring the desired dividends.