Terror Attack on Indo-Pak Samjhauta Express

By Animesh Roul

Over 60 people have died and around 50 sustained injures in the fire triggered by bomb blasts that ripped through two bogies of the Samjhauta Express (Delhi- Attari-Lahore) on February 18 night. The incident took place near Deewana in Panipat, about 50 miles from Indian capital New Delhi. The train, literally means 'Understanding' connects New Delhi to Pakistan's city of Lahore and runs twice a week, has been the only earliest symbol of unity (initiated in 1975) between two warring South Asian nations.

Around five unexploded IEDs have been recovered from the train, kept in suitcases along with inflammable liquids. Though Intelligence sources ruled out the use of RDX in these blasts, preliminary investigation pointed at cocktail of explosives (sulphur or nitrate) and kerosene bombs were used to trigger the blasts and subsequent fire. Investigating team has found kerosene bottles on the train to facilitate fire to spread to other bogies of the train.

The attacks took place ahead of Pakistani Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri’s visit to New Delhi for talks with his Indian counterpart on Tuesday. Kasuri is scheduled to co-chair the India-Pak Joint Commission in New Delhi.

Terrorist outfits have been cautious and yet to claim any responsibility for this ghastly attack. The main suspect is one evil nexus: Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) –Jaish e Muhammad (JeM) and Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The nexus has been blamed for many high profile attacks (especially in Trains) in the past. However, it’s premature to say anything for now. Whoever has done this must have one thing in mind – to derail the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan.

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