After the talks in Ufa (Russia) between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif, India witnessed two back-to-back terror attacks in Gurdaspur (July) and Udhampur (August) last year. Now, after Modi’s surprise visit to lahore on December 25, and just a few days ahead of the likely Foreign Secretary-level talks (January 15), a terror attack on Pathankot airbase has happened.
The latest attack fits into a pattern of cross-border terror attacks in India over the last few months every time New Delhi renewed attempts to pursue peace initiatives with Islamabad. In the past too, the Kargil invasion followed when the then PM Atal Behari Vajpayee returned from his lahore visit in 1999.
The present attack has triggered a debate on India’s engagement with Pakistan and whether talks can go on in such difficult circumstances. Of course Pakistan has condemned the attack. And, the Indian Government, in a measured response, said it is too premature to say anything at this point of time. “Operations continuing, immediate focus on resolving situation — premature to say anything more at this point,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swaup said in a tweet.
However, Government is analysing the inputs from security agencies on people behind the attack. Sources said given the circumstances the onus is on Pakistan as well to prove it was not involved in the attack and it were the non-state actors acting independently. Home Minister Rajnath Singh did not rule out Jaish-e-Mohammad’s role in the attack and his deputy Kiren Rijiju said elements within Pakistan hatched the plot. Singh, however, without naming anyone underlined, India is committed to the peace process but if there is an attack on its sovereignty, a befitting reply will be given.
While Pakistan will never admit its involvement in the terror act, sources said, nevertheless, it will also be difficult for it to distance itself. “The GPS location, call records…we are still putting the pieces of the puzzle together to see where the trail ends,” sources said.
“Pakistan condemns the terrorist incident in Pathankot today, in which many precious lives have been lost. We extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India and the bereaved families and wish the wounded speedy and full recovery. Building on the goodwill created during the recent high level contacts between the two countries, Pakistan remains committed to partner with India as well as other countries in the region to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism afflicting our region,” Pak Foreign Office said in a statement.
However, fact remains that founder of Jaish-e-Mohammad Maulana Masoor Azhar, lashkar-e-Taiyabba top commander Zakiur Rehman lakhvi along with his close relative plus Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, who planned 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, along with Hizbul Mujahideen chief and head of the ‘United Jihad Council’, Syed Salahuddin walk freely in Pakistan. India had at the United Nations raised issues related to Pakistan-based terrorists and sought details of who paid surety for lakhvi’s bail, funding of Hafeez Saeed’s rallies in Pakistan, along with demand to impose sanctions on Salahuddin.
India has also been insisting to discuss issues related to terrorism in a comprehensive way to address all concerns and for the peace talks to begin.
Sources said that efforts will be made to keep the line for talks open and bring Pakistan on board on the issue of terrorism and peace.