Terrorists 'opposed to peace process'

New Delhi: The terrorist attack on Samjhauta Express last week near Panipat, which killed 68 people, had sent a shock waves on both sides of the border.

No terrorist organisation has yet claimed itself to be behind the terror act though the Indian intelligence agencies have pointed to the fingerprint of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The Pakistan Government, on its part, refused to be drawn into speculation, and wants the investigation to be completed before making a comment.

In an interview with Gulf News, South Asia terrorism expert, Major General Afsir Kareem, has said the attack was by those opposed to the India-Pakistan peace process.

Excerpts from the interview:

Gulf News: Is it surprising that Samjhauta Express should have been targeted by terrorists?

General Afsir Kareem: The Samjhauta Express was a sensitive target as it was a transport link between the two countries. The fact that it starts from a crowded railway station like that of Old Delhi, and where the luggage is checked separately, shows there was lax security at the railway station.

No organisation has yet claimed to be the mastermind behind the terror attack. What does it imply?

The terrorist organisations do not own up to acts of terrorism where civilians are the target. They only do so when they attack military targets.

Indian intelligence agencies have pointed to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a possible culprit. The same conclusion was reached after the Mumbai train blasts last July and the Malegaon blasts that followed. Do you think the Indian intelligence agencies are taking the easy way out?

Indian intelligence agencies are catching the menials involved in the terror networks. But they are not getting to the bottom of it. And they also make claims because of the intense pressure to show results.

Will the joint counter-terrorism mechanism that has been set up by India and Pakistan work?

I think it will work. But it will take time before it can become fully effective.

Do you feel the governments of India and Pakistan have displayed restraint in the aftermath of the train explosions, and did not indulge in rhetorical responses?

Yes. They have shown restraint. But it does not seem to be total. This could be seen in the hasty manner in which the injured Pakistanis were taken away to Pakistan.

Do you think terrorists are against the Pakistan government of President Pervez Musharraf?

The terrorists are opposed to the India-Pakistan peace process. They are opposed to the governments of both countries, and not of Pakistan alone. They know they cannot stop the peace process but can disrupt it.

How are these terrorist organisations able to sustain themselves financially and with their ammunition supply lines intact?

Terrorist networks are able to tap money from the international finance markets, and they are able to get the arms as well, especially after the Iraq war has begun.

Do you think that Pakistan army and its other agencies are now divorced from the jihadi groups?

Pakistan Army is a disciplined force. They only follow the policies of the government. Though the army in Pakistan has now turned away from these groups, there are individuals in the army and its other agencies who might be offering tacit support to the jihadi groups.