There is source-based information that militants and activists from the LTTE and Sikh militant groups are being infiltrated into the country by the LET.
The Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB) warned local police of possible presence of sleeper cells and militants of the LTTE in and around Mumbai, to carry out terror activities on behalf of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-taiba (LET), analysis reported yesterday.
The warning is part of a confidential report which states that the LET is using LTTE cadre and Sikh militants to infiltrate into India to carry out terror activities. The Maharashtra and Mumbai Police have received an alarming alert from the Intelligence Bureau.
The alert, which came earlier this month, warns the police about specific footprints of LTTE cadre observed in Navi Mumbai.
The alert assumes significance because in the same confidential report, the IB also warned security agencies to keep a close watch on Sikh militants as well. “There is source-based information that militants and activists from the LTTE and Sikh militant groups are being infiltrated into the country by the LET,” the officer said.
According to the police, the link between the LETLTTE and Let-babbar Khalsa is not new and their association is an open secret.
However, the incident in Ambala, where a Tata Indica car laden with explosives on its way to New Delhi was intercepted, has indicated that they have become active.
“It was after the Ambala incident that security agencies started keeping a close watch on the activities of BKI and LTTE.,” the officer said.
A senior official from Maharashtra Police confirmed that the police have received the alert from the IB and adequate steps are being taken to keep a close watch on the suspects and their activities.
“After the Indian Mujahideen (IM) media cell was busted and a few of their important functionaries identified by Indian security agencies, it has become difficult for the IM to function and penetrate without risk,” said a senior Mumbai Police officer.
Key functionaries of IM, including founder member Riyaz Bhatkal, his brother Riyaz and Amir Raza have been grounded in Pakistan because they are in danger of being recognised and caught.
“IM was using the ground network and sleeper cells of SIMI, however, most of the cells have been busted or are under constant surveillance, making it difficult for them to function,” the officer said.
“Another key operative Abdus Subhan Qureshi alias Tauqeer, recently had a close shave when Indian sleuths almost nabbed him.
Such incidents have dented the image of the IM and now LET and ISI are looking for other options,” the officer said.
Source: Daily Mirror (22 November 2011)
