The shock attack on Delhi's historic Red Fort has sent a clear message to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee that his Kashmir initiative holds no meaning for hardline pan-Islamic guerillas.
Abu Usama, Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Toiba commander made this clear in an interview published in The Pioneer newspaper on Sunday.
"It is immaterial whether Pakistan, India or Kashmir have appreciated the Indian Prime Minister's cease-fire gesture ... We are working for the freedom of Kashmir from Indian security forces," Usama said.
Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes said the identity of the pair of gunmen who killed three people in the attack on the Red Fort on Friday could not be confirmed, although Lashker-e-Toiba has claimed responsibility.
Usama was quoted by the newspaper as saying the attack was carried out by two Pakistan-based guerillas, named as Bashir Ali Wani and Syed Mohammed Ali.
"They are both now safe and in good health," Usama said.
Meanwhile Fernandes, who visited the Red Fort Saturday, had angrily denied the attack pointed to intelligence failures.
"The security inside the premises is virtually nil as otherwise it would cause a major problem to those who visit this historic place," he said, blaming Pakistan for the audacious attack.
When asked if groups such as Lashker-e-Toiba would face difficulties if Pakistan changed tack on Kashmir and came down hard on militants, Usama said: "I really do not see it happening."
"We are Islam-based and fighting for our Islamic brethren. The Pakistan government understands this very well."
Lashker-e-Toiba chief Hafiz Saeed had also told India to expect more attacks.
"We take full responsibility ... and there will be more on soldiers, army installations but not civilians," Saeed said.
Home Minister L.K Advani told the news website rediff.com on Saturday that the government would not allow militants to sabotage the tentative peace process.
"We are not going to be deterred by such acts, and the peace process will continue," Advani said.
Kashmir's Islamic militants have rejected a unilateral cease-fire by Indian troops in Kashmir, announced for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and extended for four weeks on Wednesday, as a propaganda ploy.
The Mughal-built Red Fort not only houses a 500-strong military garrison but is also one of India's main interrogation centers where hundreds of Muslim separatists have been held in the past.
The Muslim insurgency in Kashmir has claimed 34,000 lives since its launch in 1989.
Pakistan and India have fought two of their three wars over the mountainous region, which is claimed by both and divided between them -- NEW DELHI (AFP)
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