The investigation in the Pathankot attack still continues to be a big mystery. Answers to several crucial questions are either kept under wraps or not known to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Quint has these questions for the investigators:
1. Exactly How Many Terrorists Conducted the Attack?
How many terrorists attacked the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot? According to the investigators, four bodies were recovered. The remains of the other two were sent to the forensic lab to ascertain whether they were human remains. Investigators say the forensic report is awaited. Contradictory reports claiming that the remains were not that of humans have emerged.
So, are they really waiting for the report or are the investigators hiding details of the report as it may question the competence of the security forces?
2. How Did they Get in?
What was the route taken by the terrorists to enter India? On which day and at what time did they enter? It is imperative for investigators to know the route taken by the terrorists to avoid further security breaches. But the investigators haven’t had a lot of success on this front.
3. An Indian Mole?
The terrorists were found with over 50 kg of ammunition with them. So did they carry the ammunition all the way across the border or did they get it on the Indian side?
How did they enter the base? Was it an insider job? Did they have the map of the base as they tried to move towards the technical area where flights were parked?
4. Why Were Intelligence Warnings Ignored?
Why did the NSG wait for terrorists to attack in spite of the fact that the security forces reached the IAF base well in advance? Why couldn’t the security forces nab or locate the terrorists?
Had the security personnel made the first move, the casualties could’ve been far less. Also, why did the security forces and intelligence come into action almost 12 hours after the calls were intercepted? Were IB and RAW dozing on these intercepts or did they take it far too lightly?
5. What Was SP Salwinder Singh’s Role?
The agency has suddenly gone quiet on his role in the attack. The NIA has not answered any of the doubts raised about Singh’s involvement? No one knows why Salwinder was let off by the terrorists without a scratch. How is it possible that the terrorists missed the beacon atop Salwinder’s car?
6. Why Is Masood Azhar Still Free?
From the very beginning, the Indian government and the security agencies have claimed that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was behind this attack. Then why is the JeM chief, Masood Azhar, still a free man?
7. Is Pakistan Really Acting Against the Terror Masterminds?
India had sent a Letter Rogatory to Pakistan seeking details on intercepted calls and terrorists, the status of which is unclear.
Is Pakistan ready to extend cooperation? Investigators have intercepted a call made by the mother of one of the Pathankot terrorists. This could be an important lead and could help identify all four terrorists. Then why isn’t the Indian government pushing Pakistan harder for the information?
NIA says that they had been able to identify the handlers who were controlling the terrorists from Pakistan. Then why has no action been taken against them by Pakistan? Is India not pushing Pakistan to act on it, in spite of the fact that two and a half months have passed? Will the Pathankot attack investigation become another 26/11 investigation?
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