New Delhi
2 May 2011
India was hoping for 26/11 closure from Pakistan, just as the killing of Osama bin
Laden had brought to a close the US' almost decade-long search for the head of the Al
Qaeda who masterminded the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre towers in New
York.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged Pakistan to work comprehensively to end the
activities of all terrorist groups operating on its soil while his Cabinet colleague and
home minister P Chidambaram went a step further to reiterate India's demand that
Pakistan arrest certain individuals and share voice samples of persons suspected of
involvement in the Mumbai attacks.
The Centre has asked all states to tighten security particularly in places wherever there
is an American or a Jewish installation. In its advisory, the home ministry asked
authorities in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata to beef up security around the
US consulates there and foil any attempt by anyone to disturb peace there.
The Prime Minister said in a statement, "I welcome it as a significant step forward and
hope that it will deal a decisive blow to Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. The
international community and Pakistan in particular must work comprehensively to end
the activities of all such groups who threaten civilised behaviour and kill innocent men,
women and children."
Home minister P Chidambaram, in turn, said the killing of Osama "deep inside Pakistan"
was a matter of grave concern as it underlines India's apprehension that terrorists
belonging to different organisations find sanctuary in that country.
He noted in his statement that the perpetrators of the 26 November 2008 terrorist attacks
in Mumbai, including the controllers and handlers of the terrorists, continue to be
sheltered in Pakistan.
"We once again call upon the Government of Pakistan to arrest the persons whose
names have been handed over to the Interior Minister of Pakistan as well as provide
voice samples of certain persons who are suspected to be among the controllers and
handlers of the terrorists," Mr Chidambaram said.
For his part, external affairs minister SM Krishna described Osama's death as "a historic
development and victorious milestone in the global war against the forces of terrorism."
"Over the years, thousands of innocent lives of men, women and children have been
tragically lost at the hands of terrorist groups. The world must not let down its united
effort to overcome terrorism and eliminate the safe havens and sanctuaries that have
been provided to terrorists in our own neighbourhood. The struggle must continue
unabated," Mr Krishna said.
The BJP, the principal Opposition party, said Osama's killing inside Pakistani territory
confirmed that Pakistan remains the "epicentre of global terror". The party demanded of
the UPA Government that it must ensure that those responsible for the 26/11 terrorist
attacks in Mumbai were handed over to it.
"We demand that all the terrorists responsible for terror attacks from across the border
must be handed over to India. It is a litmus test for Pakistan. Government of India must
acknowledge this fact in all future talks with Pakistan," BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar
Prasad said.
"He (Osama) was killed in Pakistan, almost in the backyard of its capital, Islamabad.
This is the final confirmation of the hard fact that Pakistan remains the epicentre of
global terror where terrorism and terrorists both are allowed to be encouraged and given
shelter," Mr Prasad added.
Security was strengthened around the US Embassy and nearby areas in New Delhi's
diplomatic enclave. All states had been asked to step up security if any Chabad houses
were located there as these are hubs of Jewish travellers. The states were also asked to
keep strict vigil on tourist destinations frequented by foreigners.
The US has issued a worldwide travel alert for its citizens, especially those living in
Pakistan, soon after President Barack Obama announced that Osama bin Laden has
been killed.
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