対米全面テロ

いた。
Agencies to probe reports
American Al Qaida man who fought in Kashmir
KT NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Jan 31: Security agencies are verifying the media reports about the American Al-Qaida militant John Walker, who is reported to have infiltrated into the valley in early nineties and fought along with local militants in Kashmir. Reports said that Walker, who was captured by Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, had confessed before the authorities that he had visited Pakistan on valid American passport and then entered into Afghanistan for arms training. After receiving training from Al Qaida and Taliban fighters in handling arms, Walker sneaked into Kashmir and joined the militant ranks, reports added. Details further reveal that Walker has also confessed to his captors that he was one of the men who were guarding the foreign tourists kidnapped by the ultras in mid nineties. These reports have taken security agencies by surprise. Security forces said they are verifying the reports about the Walker's involvement in militancy across Kashmir. Deputy Inspector General of Border Security Force, R.S.Bhullar said they are verifying the reports about John Walker. "We have yet to find the authenticity of the reports which have started pouring in. We have started investigations about Walker's involvement in militancy across Kashmir", said Bhullar. If reports are to be believed, then Walker is the third militant belonging to the western world who fought in Kashmir. Earlier in 2000, a suicide bomber who was a Birmingham (UK) citizen Abdullah Bhai blew himself up near the main gate of the 15-Corps headquarters killing over a dozen soldiers. Besides, Omar Sheikh, a militant released in exchange of the passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 was also a British national and was actively involved in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Official sources said some militants from west have been involved in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. However, their number is very less compared to Pakistanis and Afghans. Meanwhile, security forces involved in counter insurgency operations across Kashmir have been asked to check from the sources about the Walker's antecedents. Army, para-military forces and local police have been asked to streamline the operations and unveil the truth shrouding Walker's involvement in the militancy across Kashmir.