Indian government says New Delhi car blast is a 'terrorist incident' | DW News

Key Concepts

• Terrorist Incident
• Transnational Terror Module
• Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
• Kashmir Region
• Bomb-making Material
• Political Implications
• International Forces
• Act of War

Terrorist Incident Designation

The Indian government has officially designated the deadly car blast outside New Delhi's historic Red Fort as a terrorist incident. This decision was confirmed by India's Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, after two days of speculation. The cabinet expressed profound grief over the loss of eight lives and at least 20 wounded, condemning the act as cowardly and reaffirming their unwavering policy towards terrorism. The government stated that the attack was carried out by "international forces" and indicated a strong response, acting with an "iron fist" to send a message to the perpetrators. The full extent of external or internal forces involved is still under investigation.

Investigation and Suspects

The investigation into the car blast has been ongoing for two days. Authorities are examining a potential link to arrests made in the disputed Kashmir region concerning a transnational terror module that was reportedly disbanded the day before the blast. During these arrests, weapons and a large quantity of bomb-making material were confiscated. Police stated this material was linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terror group long accused of attacks in India.

Jammu and Kashmir police have been pursuing leads in towns outside New Delhi, including in the northern states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In the past two days, approximately half a dozen suspects have been arrested, including medical professionals from hospitals. Over 6,000 pounds of bomb-making material were reportedly confiscated. However, several aspects remain unclear, including the exact number of individuals and organizations involved, and whether they are domestic or foreign.

Political Implications

If a link to Kashmir is confirmed, which is considered likely, it will have significant political and security implications for Kashmir and the region at large. Experts suggest that a link to Kashmir would imply Pakistan's involvement, further straining relations between India and Pakistan. The report recalls Prime Minister Modi's statement in May of the same year, following the Pulwama attack, that any future attack would be viewed as an act of war. This doctrine suggests that if Pakistan's involvement is established, India would have no option but to retaliate.

Local journalists in Kashmir have reported heightened security and surveillance in the region. Investigative agencies and local police have intensified searches in various areas, and some doctors suspected of involvement have been detained. The coming days are expected to see a new wave of arrests and crackdowns under stringent terror laws.

Conclusion

The car blast in New Delhi has been officially classified as a terrorist incident, with the Indian government pointing to "international forces" and investigating potential links to a Pakistan-based terror group, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and a transnational terror module in Kashmir. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the extent of domestic and foreign involvement. The potential confirmation of a link to Pakistan carries significant political ramifications, potentially leading to retaliatory action from India, given its stated policy on future attacks. Security measures have been intensified in Kashmir, with arrests and crackdowns anticipated.