Updated on
Summary
India remains vulnerable to a Mumbai-style militant attack because neighbouring Pakistan is struggling to rein in the Islamist groups blamed for last year's deadly assault, the Home Minister said. As India prepares for the first anniversary of the Mumbai raids that killed 166 people and foreign intelligence reports warn of possible new plots, Palaniappan Chidambaram warned any new attack would be met with a swift and decisive response. Two plush hotels and a Jewish centre were among the targets attacked by 10 gunmen last November. India blamed Pakistani nationals and tensions rose between the two nuclear powers. My assessment of the vulnerability is that it has remained the same since 26/1. It has not diminished nor has it enhanced. Chidambaram said in a rare interview, referring to the raids on Nov. 26. With India spending millions on new security measures, from commando hubs in cities to navy patrols and better intelligence gathering, the minister added that India had learnt its lesson. Commando units finally killed all but one of the attackers. Despite pressure for military action against Pakistan last November, the Indians responded with a diplomatic offensive. Even if they wish to take action against the masterminds of 26/11, they (the Pakistan government) perhaps do not have the capacity to take action. That incapacity could encourage some wild elements, some rogue elements, to become adventurous, said the Home Minister. Chidambaram played down the reports, repeating that risk levels remained the same. I'm sure they're planning (more attacks), but to what extent there is overt state support I cannot say, he said.
