Acting on specific “source-based information”, the Intelligence Bureau has in a note sent to the Union home ministry this Tuesday warned that Pakistan-based militant groups are already working on a plan to sneak in their operatives posing as cricket fans for the forthcoming India-Pakistan cricket series later in December.
This is the first time that intelligence agencies, have in writing, flagged the issue expressing security concerns over the much awaited sporting series between the two nations.
According to the note, details of which have been accessed by this newspaper, “the source (human intelligence) is said to be in Pakistan itself and the information provided is said to be extremely credible.” The only fear that security agencies have expressed is that those visiting India in the garb of cricket fans should not go underground once the cricket series is over. Intelligence sources said the possibility of fans disappearing despite a multi-layered screening process cannot be ruled out.
Thus, in wake of the note the MHA’s internal security division has been assigned the task of reviewing security-related issues for the cricket series, including tough screening measures for visa. “The information is fairly reliable and since it is originating from Pakistan there is every reason we should take it seriously. The input is based on pure human intelligence,” a senior intelligence official said.
which further reveals that terror groups have already identified some of their key operatives who will try and cross over during the series,’’ a senior intelligence official said.
The note also states that there is desperation among militant outfits not just due to drop in infiltration but hanging of Ajmal Kasab as well. ``The terror groups are waiting for an opportunity to hit back to revenge Kasab’s death,’’ the note further adds.