LeT on terrorist hiring drive

ATS discovers that instead of Pakistani terror camps, militant outfit is now on a recruitment mission in India

ATS discovers that instead of Pakistani terror camps, militant outfit is now on a recruitment mission in India

Mumbai's Anti Terrorist Squad has stumbled upon Pakistani Lashkar-e-Toiba's new plans of large-scale recruitment and training of local terrorists to carry out blasts across the city.

A copy of the intelligence report available with MiD DAY indicates LeT is roping in their contacts through Indian mujahideens to go on a large-scale recruitment drive across the country. They are also planning to train the wannabe terrorists locally.

LeT's new move is a clear departure from training in terror camps in Pakistan. Even more so, after Mohammed Ajmal Kasab's arrest for the Mumbai attacks.

The intelligence report has been sent to all the Deputy Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police across the country on July 6. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) have also been informed about the latest development in LeT recruitment and training in the country.

Police sources fear the policy to recruit and train wannabe terrorists in their local area of operation could be the brainchild of Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). It is on the line of the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.u00a0

The development assumes significance because intelligence reports indicate the LeT operatives are planning to carry out another sea-borne attack in Mumbai. The next likely date of attack is August 21, a day before the Ganesh festival in Mumbai.

The Coast Guard, the Indian Navy and local police have intensified patrolling along the coastline, particularly after nightfall. The ATS has already forwarded a lookout list of some terrorists who have gone on a recruitment drive. An alert has been sounded at all airports across the country so that they can't escape.

The names include Arif Khan alias Junaid, Nabad Ali alias Pappu, Mohammed Sajid alias Imam, Mirza Sadab Baig, Mohammed Alif, Bade Hakim Saab, Assadullah Aktar and Salam. There are also Riyaz Bhatkal and his younger brother Iqbal from Karnataka, as well as Amir and Asif Reza, brothers from West Bengal, who are seen as key recruiting agents.