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‘Concrete proof of Indian role in Waziristan found’

* Kaira says Islamabad to discuss matter with New Delhi
* Large quantity of Indian arms, literature recovered from Sherwangi

By Irfan Ghauri

ISLAMABAD: The government has found concrete evidence of New Delhi’s involvement in the militancy in South Waziristan and has decided to discuss the matter with the Indian government, Information Minster Qamar Zaman Kaira and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Athar Abbas jointly said on Monday.

Kaira said Islamabad would discuss the issue with New Delhi, adding that Islamabad would still not deviate from the peace process aimed at resolving lingering disputes between the two countries.

Recovered: Abbas said large quantities of Indian arms and ammunition, literature, medical equipment and medicines had been recovered from Sherwangi near Kaniguram. He said the Foreign Office had been informed of the discoveries and the matter would be taken up through diplomatic channels with the Indian authorities.

Abbas said security forces had gained complete control of Kaniguram, a major stronghold of Uzbek fighters. He said the terrorists there had been using modern weaponry, fortified positions and bunkers, adding the entire area had been cleared of mines and improvised explosive devices.

He said the military had also secured Karama village, east of Kaniguram, adding other strategically important points around Kaniguram had also been secured.

To a question about the US-led NATO forces closing down around half a dozen security checkposts on the Pak-Afghan border, he said, “We have been told the posts were being re-adjusted.” He said Islamabad had contacted the US on information about the “re-adjustment”, adding closing the posts in certain sensitive areas would affect the ongoing military operation.

Giving details of Operation Rah-e-Nijat, the ISPR director general said 12 terrorists had been killed in the last 24 hours, adding that six security personnel had been injured.

He said the Taliban had been surprised by the army’s valour, adding the terrorists were being beaten on all fronts. He said he was not sure if the Taliban’s top leadership had escaped to North Waziristan or was still in the area.

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