Thaindian News

Islamabad, July 23 (IANS) India and Pakistan need to put curbs on their intelligence agencies in order to end interference in each’s other internal affairs, a leading Pakistani newspaper said Thursday.
In an editorial on the Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing’s (RAW) alleged involvement in insurgent activities in Balochistan, the Dawn said: “Stopping the meddling is more important than the manner in which it is brought to an end. It is the final result that counts.”

“If the(re) are rogue elements within RAW who are acting independently, they must be taken to task forthwith. Pakistan also needs to put its own intelligence agencies under the microscope and determine whether a similar cull is needed here,” it said.

Referring to a dossier that Pakistan has reportedly handed over to India, Dawn said it had been alleged that New Delhi was using its growing influence in Kabul to channel weapons and funds to separatists in Balochistan besides funding a training camp in Kandahar in Afghanistan for the likes of the Baloch Republican Army.

RAW “also stands accused of masterminding other terrorist acts in Pakistan, including deadly assaults on the Sri Lankan cricket team and a police academy in Lahore”.

Dawn noted that New Delhi had “insisted, and not without reason, that it be provided with concrete evidence of Indian involvement.

“This has now been done, with the reported handing over of a dossier detailing instances of Indian interference in Pakistan.

“The evidence apparently includes pictures of some senior Baloch separatist leaders conferring with Indian operatives as well as details of safe houses run by RAW in Afghanistan.

“Proof of India’s involvement in terror financing in Pakistan has also been provided, it is said, as have the names of Indian agents who crossed the border to link up with militants on this side of Wagah.”

Dawn said the document apparently changed hands at the recent meeting between the Pakistani and Indian prime minister at Sharm-el-Sheikh in Egypt where the two countries pledged full cooperation in the battle against terrorism.

“The Indian response is now awaited. No one expects India or Pakistan for that matter to accept charges of state-sponsored interference in a neighbouring country. It will suffice if the evidence is examined with honesty of purpose with due follow-up, even if it takes place behind closed doors.”