Author:
Publication: The Tribune
Date: April 17, 2002
Khalistani terrorist organisations
are "desperate" to undertake "some sensational terrorist action" in India
under constant pressure from Pakistan's ISI and revive terrorism in Punjab,
the government has told a parliamentary committee whose report was tabled
in the Lok Sabha today.
Union Home Secretary Kamal Pande
told the Standing Committee on Home Affairs that recent inputs indicated
that Pakistan-based terrorists of the Khalistan Commando Force (Panjwar),
Babbar Khalsa International, Khalistan Zindabad Force and International
Sikh Youth Federation (Rode) were "desparate to undertake some sensational
action in India because of constant pressure from Pakistan's ISI".
Attempts to revive terrorism in
Punjab also became evident from the continued recovery of large quantities
of arms, ammunition, explosives and sophisticated timer devices in the
border state, he said.
Mr Pande said security forces arrested
31 terrorists while one surrendered to the police last year. As many as
35 terrorists were arrested and three surrendered the previous year.
"Despite reverses and neutralisation
of some of their top-rung activists over the years, the Khalistani terrorists
still retain the capacity and substantial fire power to carry out acts
of violence," Mr Pande said.
In view of these developments, the
committee chaired by Mr Pranab Mukherjee felt that "There is a subtle change
which is taking place on the ground".
The committee, which includes members
from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, said, "Therefore, there is need
for being vigilant to ensure that terrorism does not rear its head once
again" in Punjab.
"The committee, therefore, urges
the government to take all necessary preventive measures to thwart attempts
of Pakistan's ISI to revive terrorism in Punjab," the committee's 88th
report said, adding that strict vigil must be kept on the activities of
recently returned separatist leaders so that they do not once again become
a potent threat to the security and unity of the country.
It also appealed to the government
to "consider" the cases of 400-odd policemen facing trial in various courts
for their role in anti-terrorism operations during the heydays of terrorism
in Punjab.
Members expressed concern over the
trial of these policemen, saying that it might have a demoralising effect
on the police force in general and those fighting terrorism in particular.
"It becomes even more demoralising
when persons, who spearheaded the terrorist movement from their foreign
bases, are not only being allowed entry into the country but also to move
freely," it said, wondering whether these recently returned separatist
leaders could be a threat to the security and unity of India.
It said, "Ironically, those who
indulged in terrorism are moving freely and, in sharp contrast, those who
fought terrorism are going through a hell of an experience". PTI