Author:
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: July 16, 2006
Introduction: He is called so because he lies
in hibernation and is different from a courier or carrier
Q.: How many?
A.: Home ministry estimates that there are about 1,000 of them all over the
country.
Q.: Where are they?
A.: Mostly in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Western UP and Gujarat.
Q.: Where do they come from?
A.: They're Indians who moved to Pakistan or other hostile nations before
returning to the country.
Earlier, they used to hail from J&K but
now they come from all parts of the country.
Q.: How are they dealt with?
If security agencies learn about their presence, their details go into a secret
file.
Instead of arresting them, they are monitored
closely for clues on major attacks planned.
If agencies fail to get clues, these agents
may be eliminated.
Q.: How they operate?
A.: Only a close circle of terrorists know about their existence.
They hold an Indian passport, integrate themselves
with the society and even get married to a local girl.
They lie low for years before joining a major
operation and rarely take up small assignments.
