New Delhi, August 13: BJP MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla expressed support on Thursday for the UN’s “Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team” report, which attributed the suicide car bomb attack near the Red Fort to “Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent” (AQIS). He also raised concerns that India’s open border with Bangladesh could facilitate the spread of terrorism in the country.
The report presented to the Security Council stated that AQIS was “officially held responsible” for the blast last November, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people. It also warned that AQIS is emerging as a decentralized terrorist organization, distinct from isolated groups.
In an interview, Shringla remarked, “If they have indicated that AQIS is trying to establish connections in India, including those responsible for the blast near the Red Fort, we must take this seriously. We need to ensure that these terrorist organizations are not allowed to operate in our country.”
A former IFS officer who has served as India’s ambassador to the United States and as Foreign Secretary, Shringla noted that the UN Security Council has “a very comprehensive team of experts.”
He stated, “These are individuals who specialize in counter-terrorism and are adept at dealing with terrorist organizations, conducting extensive research and investigations on these issues.”
Having previously served as ambassador to Bangladesh, Shringla held former Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus responsible for the rising incidents of terrorism in the country.
His comments followed a UN report that expressed concerns about AQIS attempting to use Bangladesh to establish its cells.
Shringla added, “Bangladesh has now become a place where many extremists and terrorists have gained a foothold, as Yunus’s previous government released several wanted terrorists and created an environment conducive for them to establish themselves in the country.”
Emphasizing that Jamaat-e-Islami still holds significant influence in Bangladesh, the former ambassador warned, “Due to open borders, these individuals can enter India. We must remain very cautious and vigilant to ensure our security and integrity are not compromised… We also need to collaborate with Bangladeshi authorities, as the presence of terrorists in their territory is not in their interest either.”
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