Taliban threat real: Govt

Amid Pakistan’s army and air force continuing with their offensive against the Taliban and al Qaeda in South Waziristan for the third day running, India has voiced concern over the situation across the border.

New Delhi fears that as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fights with its back to the wall,  the loose syndicate of terror outfits operating in Pakistani Punjab may divert military attention by stepping up attacks against India and escalate an internal matter to an Indo-Pakistan issue. The Centre is worried that an unstable Pakistan could spawn terror strikes across the region.

“The situation in Pakistan is very serious and terrorism is spreading,” said defence minister AK Antony on Monday, but added that the country was ready to take on the Taliban. “Our security forces are keeping eternal vigil.”

Echoing the minister’s sentiments, army chief general Deepak Kapoor said: “Whenever there is turbulence in a particular region, there is always some spill-over effect in a neighbouring country. That is something we need to guard against.” He said the army will give a befitting reply to the Taliban.

India’s concerns attain significance in the wake of a recent statement by TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud that if Pakistan becomes a Sharia state and snaps ties with the US, his forces would focus on India.

But former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said that the Taliban have their hands full fighting the Pakistani army and is not ready to take on India. “Experience has shown that unless [terror groups] get support from Pakistan’s military establishment, it is not easy to attack Indian targets."