'26/11 attackers underwent training in Afghan Al-qaeda camps'

Ajay Kaul
Brasilia, Apr 17 (PTI) Mumbai attackers had undergone
training in Al-qaeda camps in Afghanistan, sources have said,
revealing for the first time the Afghan link to the deadly
26/11 carnage.
Highlighting this threat, the sources underlined the
the criticality of Afghanistan for India in terms of security.
The sources said India has larger interest in
Afghanistan, which is part of its periphery. "Whatever happens
there affect us," they said.
The sources also said some of those responsible for
the 26/11 attacks that killed 166 people, including
foreigners, had undergone training at Al-qaeda camps in
Afghanistan. "This can't be ignored," they said.
India has blamed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba for
the deadly attacks and has been demanding action Hafiz Saeed,
who is the chief of JuD, the front organisation for LeT.
The sources also said India will continue its presence
in Afghanistan while adjusting according to the situation and
capabilities.
India is involved in a number of developmental
projects in Afghanistan despite a spate of attacks against its
interests in the war-torn country.
"If Taliban capture Afghanistan or Afghanistan goes
with Taliban, the situation will be critical for India also,"
the sources said.
India realises that the situation in Afghanistan is
evolving fast and New Delhi is closely monitoring the
developments.
They said big issues regarding Afghanistan have to be
primarily addressed by Afghans themselves.
There is a feeling in India that Afghans themselves
don't want Taliban to be back and would resist if it attempts.
The sources said situation in Afghanistan figured
prominently at a meeting between National Security Adviser
Shivshankar Menon and Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo on
the sidelines of the India-Brazil-South Africa and Brzail-
Russia-China-India Summits here.
Significantly, the Afghan issue was raised by the
Chinese side. Both Menon and Dai are Special Representatives
for the boundary talks between the two countries.
Earlier, Menon discussed the situation in Afghanistan
with Russian officials. Menon had also discussed the issue
with his US counterpart Gen James Jones in Washington during
the Nuclear Security Summit.
China favoured the continuation of International
Stabilisation Force in Afghanistan. PTI AKK
DDC