Though reports from Maldives suggest that the bomb was "home made" and the operation not too well organised, targeting of foreign tourists was clearly inspired by the Jemaah Islamiya attack in Bali which killed 202 people. In Male, too, the hand of jehadi groups is suspected in the attack at Sultan Park, a popular tourist hangout.
India has offered to help in the investigation into the first bomb attack in the Maldives which has kindled fears that sea-borne terror is a threat that needs to be accounted for with greater concern.
Details provided by Maldivian officials who have made some arrests are scant, but investigators here are fairly sure that a link to jehadi outfits will be uncovered. India is prepared to send its own investigators to Male while US has already despatched FBI agents to probe the incident.
Only last year, Indian agencies had expressed concern that the unpopulated far-flung islands in the Arabian Sea might be used as launch pads by jehadi terrorists to reach the Indian coastline. Maldives tourism minister Mahmood Shougee has told wire services that of 10 persons detained, two were Bangladeshis.
Condemning the bombing which took place on September 29, the external affairs ministry spokesperson said, "This incident seems designed to disturb the traditional peace and tranquility of the country and impair the economic livelihood of people. India stands ready to offer all assistance in investigation as well as medical assistance to the government and people of Maldives."
Courtesy: The Times of India
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
