India is doubtful that Pakistan will act against its own retired or serving Army officials, accused in the 26/11 terror attack case, as such a move could prove to be a spoiler for Pakistan if the conspirators decide to “spill the beans’’ on the role of Pakistani state actors in 26/11. Government sources said that Major Abdur Rehman, alias Pasha,
and Brig Riaz, whose names figure in the dossiers given to Pakistan, may expose the role of the Pakistan ISI and Army for planning and executing the terror attack from the onset till the end, if that government chooses to act against them.
India’s apprehensions have emerged after Pakistan has written to India questioning “whether Indian intelligence agencies were aware of Amercian-Pakistani terrorist David Headley’s movements within the country” prior to the Mumbai attack.
Throwing the ball back in India’s court, Pakistan has recently sent to India 47 questions regarding additional information on Headley and his activities during his multiple visits to the country.
Pakistan’s query has raised eyebrows with the Indian security establishment who feel that the neighbouring country is once again trying to wriggle out of its responsibility of acting against 26/11 conspirators roaming freely on its soil.
Pakistan’s query is also being seen as an attempt at embarrassing Indian security agencies who had failed to detect Headley’s multiple visits to recce the 26/11 terror targets.
India believes that Pasha and Riaz have a direct role in 26/11 and could only be tried for “murder’’ if Pakistan is serious.
“All Pakistan needs to do is compare the voice samples of the 26/11 handlers identified by Headley with those persons who are accused in the case in Pakistan,” a government official said.
However, the official said that Pakistan will not take action against them for the simple reason that they may spill the beans on the role of the Pakistan’ state actors in 26/11.