24 February,2009 10:21 AM IST | | Anshuman G Dutta
Taliban protecting 26/11 masterminds hidden in tribal areas
The increasing clout of the Taliban in Pakistan is keeping the terrorists who planned the Mumbai attacks safe. According to sources in Indian intelligence agencies, the 26/11 suspects recently shifted their base from Karachi to the tribal areas close to SWAT and FATA regions in Pakistan.
The information was gathered on the basis of satellite call intercepts of the two terrorists who were in touch with Qasab, the only attacker who has been arrested. "The two were identified as Taiful Anwar and Shahidul Islam. They kept changing their locations," said a senior intelligence officer, requesting anonymity.
"These terrorists had several hideouts in Karachi and adjoining areas. Now, they have shifted to tribal areas," said the officer.
Terror outfits are moving close to the Taliban afteru00a0 the Pakistan government bowed down to the growing reach of the extremist organisation in the country, said a senior security expert from Delhi.
Senior ministers in the Indian government have admitted that the Centre is closely monitoring the activities in Pakistan.
"The development in Pakistan can not be taken lightly. The Taliban has already issued a recorded warning to India and other terror groups may also try to cash in on the opportunity," said a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal said that the government is ready to tackle the situation.
