26/11: Action has to match ruthless intent

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is investigating whether David Coleman Headley, arrested by the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror attacks in India, had any role in the Mumbai terror attacks. The NIA is also probing Headley’s links with Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 48, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, who was recently arrested by the FBI for his alleged involvement in terror activities. The investigation may take many months as terrorists have built up a strong network to expand their “sleeper cells” within the country.

The FBI have done a superb job in tracking these terrorists for well over a year and the much-maligned security procedures in the US have worked in India’s favour. I sometimes wonder if this could ever work in India, given our security systems and priorities being subordinated by votebank considerations.

The government has little option now but to enforce strict visa restrictions, not only for citizens of Pakistan but also on people from Bangladesh and Nepal.

We are fighting a war on terror and unless we act with ruthless intent on the sleeper cells within the country and destroy local support for the terrorists we are heading for another 26/11.

I feel sorry for Mr Mahesh Bhatt and his family but the links have to be probed. It is too early to arrive at any conclusions at this stage.

There are many in India with close linkages to Pakistan (family, business interests, academic and cultural) and the vast majority would like to see improved relations between the two countries. Sadly, this optimism is seen as a weakness by those obsessed with extreme religious dogmas and many would be innocent victims of the game played.

David Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana both received extensive training in Pakistan. Hopefully sensitive information will be kept confidential till the “sleeper cells”, individuals and groups involved are identified.

Recently, I read media reports about four people who have been arrested for distributing fake currency in India through Bangladesh and another report indicating that Syed Amir Ali, the “spy” who has been arrested, was assisted by two men from Lucknow (both have since been arrested).

Despite all our procedures why was a passport issued without any verification? The war against terror can never succeed if these support systems are not firmly dealt with. Is there any reason that they should not attract the maximum penalty?

The media coverage has been relentless and not all the facts will be correct. However, the positive side of the situation is that no one at any level will be able to “fix” the probe or suppress the facts.

The disclosures so far are still in a preliminary stage and there is little doubt that both the US and India will pursue this case with great urgency. There is also little doubt that at the top level action will be taken for the future. But what about the lapses at the lower level?

I AM shocked and disgusted to see Kavita Karkare, wife of former Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare, question the state government on why her husband and two other senior officials who were killed during the 26/11 terror attacks did not get reinforcements on time. She tearfully expressed anguish that Karkare’s bulletproof vest and the file relating to its procurement have gone missing. I cannot believe this. Is it possible that the bulletproof vests were defective? Can it be possible that the ATS chief died because of a defective vest?

This issue must attract the attention of those in authority. It should not require a public interest litigation in the high court to know the truth!

Pakistan has spoken in many voices on the dossiers submitted by India with details relating to the Mumbai terror attacks. But after these two arrests by the FBI, does Pakistan really need further proof? Will the US be willing to suspend aid if the government in Pakistan fails to act in a decisive manner?

India has acted with maturity and restraint but there are political and emotional limits which cannot be crossed by any political party in a democratic structure.

I am deeply distressed with the recent trend where political authority is being disputed and held to ransom by financial clout and muscle power.

We have seen unfortunate events in Andhra Pradesh after the sad demise of Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and the situation is no better for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka. Now we see the organised plunder of public resources in Jharkhand where, besides former chief minister Mr Madhu Koda, almost every political party is involved.

Look at the muted way in which the probe is taking place. The only one really interested in the truth is the media.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has got involved and there have been many media disclosures, like the raids conducted in the communication ministry. I have my doubts and feel that political considerations may prevail and little will happen in the future.

The situation in Jharkhand is baffling as Rs 4,000 crores is involved and in a single instance Rs 600 crores-plus was deposited in a nationalised bank.

Can this be treated as a routine, legal transaction? The assets of the state are literally being stolen by successive governments and yet we are going to have another election. In all probability all those responsible for this mess will once again become the decision-makers in the state.

We are heading for serious trouble and, as I have mentioned earlier, lack of transparency in political donations is leading to massive corruption and extortion. Most of these funds are getting legitimatised as many political families are producing business tycoons of exceptional merit and making a mockery of political authority.

A small minority interest is holding the system to ransom and I am truly disappointed that few in the ruling party or in the Opposition are willing to dare the elements and make this an issue.

Arun Nehru is a former Union minister