RAJ DALUJA
JAMMU: Mystery shrouds the ‘poisoning’ or ‘death’ of the world’s most wanted terrorist and former Mumbai don Dawood Ibrahim in Karachi. Mainstream and social media across the world is agog with different theories and reports over the don’s health status and stoic silence of Islamabad has further fueled and deepened the suspense. Reports suggesting the entire floor of a reputed hospital, housing ailing don, having been sanitized, internet services suspended, and security beefed up around the estates of the Mumbai serial bombing mastermind in the rogue country’s commercial capital etc speak something fishy. But who will confirm? Those believing Pakistan to come up with facts betray their understanding of diplomacy. Islamabad will never speak a word about Dawood, as this will put Pakistan in dock for having sheltered the most wanted terrorist on its soil. Therefore, Dawood, dead or alive, will continue to remain shrouded in mystery.
Mysterious killings of wanted terrorists, one after another, by unidentified gunmen has created furor and fear across Pakistan, known as safe haven for unwanted elements. The ‘element of fear’ among absconding terrorists, mafias and dons in Pakistan or any other country, makes every Indian happy. This is the takeaway from stunning killings.
Pakistan is dumb stuck over mysterious killing of a dozen terrorists on its soil during the past two years, which include self-styled commanders of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM), or the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). In November itself a close aide of Masood Azhar and the LeT’s chief recruiter was assassinated despite having ‘foolproof’ ISI security cover. They don’t speak a word about the killing of Asim Jameel, son of Radical Islamic preacher Maulana Tariq Jameel by ‘unknown gunmen’ in the Tandlianwala area of Khanewal. Who is killing the terrorists in the terror haven? Nobody in Pakistan is willing to discuss it even remotely.
India has several times asked Pakistan to deport the terrorists harboured there but Islamabad continues to remain in denial mode. Dawood Ibrahim tops the list. The creator of syndicate D Company, founded in Mumbai in the 1970, Dawood is believed to be the mastermind of March 1993 bombings in the Mayanagri, which resulted in 257 fatalities and 1,400 injuries in a single day. He has been the kingpin of murders, extortions, targeted killings, drug trafficking and acts of terror. Absconding for nearly three decades, Dawood is credibly understood to be headquartered in Karachi but keeping moving across continents under the tight security of ISI and his personal shooters. Though Islamabad has always denied his presence in Pakistan, veteran cricketer Javed Miandad, father in law of Dawood’s daughter, is on record having confirmed about permanent residence of the Mumbai don in Karachi.
Despite repeated Indian pleas, Pakistan is in denial about any ‘named terrorist’ including Dawood Ibrahim, on its soil. However, the mysterious killing of wanted terrorists, one after another, across Pakistan has baffled Pakistani military junta, ISI and political establishments. The latest episode involving Mumbai don has sent shockwaves in Pakistan’s military and civilian establishments. Who knows who is behind Dawood’s killing, poisoning, whatever it is? This will always remain under wraps.