In what is being viewed as the first direct fallout of the execution of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab the Union home ministry has directed central intelligence and security agencies to keep under scanner movement of all those Pakistani nationals who would be visiting India in December for the upcoming cricket series between the two countries.
Following Kasab’s execution the cricket series is the first big event between the two nations. In the last couple of days the MHA has reviewed all security related aspects with central intelligence agencies. The task of security and intelligence agencies has become even more difficult with the government planning a multi-city visa for the visiting cricket fans.
Highly placed government sources said the directive from the home ministry to security and intelligence agencies is clear that “all visitors should be accounted for and ensure that they leave the country after the series.”
Intelligence agencies at a meeting held a couple of days ago had expressed concern that militants outfits may try and take advantage of the cricket series to send their operatives into India. This has happened in the past as well. Major Sajid Mir, a Lashkar operative suspected to working for the ISI as well, had visited Indian during the 2007 India-Pakistan cricket match and used it as an opportunity to recee sensitive areas. In the same series more than a dozen Pakistanis had gone missing and are still not traceable. Mir has been named as an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack by the National Investigation Agency.
Following Kasab’s execution all border guarding security forces had been put on a high alert fearing infiltration and major retaliation by Pakistan based terrorist groups. The alert still remains. Now the intelligence agencies have cautioned the Government the cricket series will be a good opportunity for terrorist groups to send their operatives here.
It has also been decided that all state police will keep a close check on the movement of local sponsors of visiting Pakistani fans. Sources said visa to Pakistani visitors will be granted once the background of the local sponsor is thoroughly checked.