After initial sparring stemming from distrust that eternally afflicts their bilateral relationship the governments of Pakistan and India seem to be developing convergence on the identity of elements that plotted and executed the Mumbai attacks.
The most outstanding move in that direction was made the other day by PM Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik when he laid bare the general outline of the plot and the action taken by the Pakistani authorities against the plotters. To the utter bewilderment of most of the confirmed anti-Pakistan circles, he acknowledged that the Mumbai attacks were "partly" planned in Pakistan. Except two, all other six plotters have been taken into custody and the case registered against them for "abetting, conspiracy and facilitation" of the crime, he said. On the face of it, India has welcomed the Pakistani move, saying it is a positive development. But, unfortunately, between the lines the guarded welcome smacks of equivocation that still characterises the Indian perspective.
So to say, the ball is now in India's court. Some 30 questions, arising from the 'insufficient' Indian dossier and Pakistan's follow-up investigation and action, have been handed over to the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad. The basic premise that throws up these questions is: The conspiracy to blow up Mumbai landmarks was hatched by Islamist extremists partly in Pakistan and partly elsewhere possibly including Italy, Austria and the United States. That Indian nationals were also involved is not being ruled out.
And that possibly these elements were being used by some rogue elements in the Indian intelligence agencies that were also involved in the Samjhota Express carnage and Malegaon bombing. As to the identify of the lone Mumbai assault survivor, Ajmal Kasab, the Pakistani investigators are not prepared to accept the Indian claim. Therefore, they would like to question him as well as get his DNA test to match it with his kins, if there are any. Who were the other nine attackers? That also needs a thorough investigation because so far Pakistan has not been provided with any clear information by Indian authorities.
These are indeed tough questions and unless India comes out of its blame-game mode and fully cooperates with the Pakistani investigators, securing a successful prosecution of the Mumbai attackers would remain a mirage. To the extent the Indian reaction that it would examine the issues raised in the response by Pakistan and "after examination we will share whatever we can" is acceptable, though it could be warm and receptive.
All the more when the BJP's reported harangue that "more coercive diplomatic measures are required to bring Pakistan on its knees" and Congress Party's hurrah that Pakistan's decision is a "victory of the government efforts" tend to vitiate the atmosphere for constructive co-operation. Rehman Malik's hark to the entire world that in hunting down and punishing the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks Pakistan means business should be treated with all seriousness. Otherwise, the doubting Thomas's, who suspect India's sincerity are not in short supply.
So far it is Pakistan that has been made a whipping boy for everything that goes on in the world in the name of terrorism. Even the UN Security Council did not hesitate in bending to stamp that reputation. Who does not know that within hours of the Mumbai attacks the Indian leadership had gone public accusing Pakistani agencies of 'masterminding the carnage'? For quite some time now we are clearly conscious of a concerted effort to get Pakistan declared a 'terrorist state'.
So, to many of us the Mumbai incident was one more attempt to achieve that objective. But as things unfold and astounding disclosures made by the media on daily basis, in India also, Pakistan appears to be escaping from those dark shadows of accusations. With national-level leaders in India acknowledging involvement of the locals and the Mumbai police chief announcing their arrests there is every hope that the real masterminds behind the Mumbai attacks would be exposed. Naturally, a delay in providing answers to Pakistan's 30 questions would be seen here as India's getting cold feet in marching to the court for justice.