Terrorist attack on Indian airbase

Those found guilty should be taken to task

At a time when Pakistan and India were preparing to hold talks on foreign secretary level, the terrorists attacked an Indian airbase, home to a squadron of MiG-21 fighters and Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters, near Pakistan-India border. The attack is obviously timed to foil the fresh peace initiative and hold the two governments to ransom. In a successful meeting between National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Naseer Khan Janjua and his Indian counterpart in Bangkok, Pakistan’s demand to get Kashmir issue included in the talks was accepted. The meeting had also led to a perception that the peace initiative now had the ownership of the army. The initiative got momentum after the talks between Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and government leaders in Pakistan which were followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s short visit to Lahore.

The avowed phone call intercepts of one of the terrorists talking to his mother in Pakistan has led India to conclude that the terrorists had come from across the border. With army leadership on board about the ongoing talks, one expected the prime intelligence agencies to closely watch the activities of anti-India terrorist networks in order to ensure that they did not cause problems for Pakistan. In case it is proved that the terrorists had crossed over from Pakistan, this would imply a gross failure on the part of Pakistani agencies. Among other things, the negligence on their part would cause embarrassment to the COAS who has promised that all terrorists in Pakistan would be eliminated within the year 2016. There is a need to probe the matter thoroughly and punish those found responsible for negligence or connivance.

The Foreign Office’s commitment to partner with India to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism would be of little use if not followed by credible action. To ensure that the peace initiative is not derailed, New Delhi should be offered full assistance in holding the inquiry. What is more, those found responsible should be brought to justice without delay.