Even as the authorities in Pakistan continue investigation to ascertain who was behind the deadly Wagah border crossing blast that killed at least 60, a fresh report compels to re-think who was the actual target of the attack.
According to a newspaper report that cited a government source, it appears to be a suicide attack gone awry as the bomber’s main target is doubted to be India, and he might have miscalculated and detonated himself earlier than planned.
The attack seems to have been orchestrated to widen the trust deficit between the two neighbouring countries, the report adds quoting a government source.
The report hints that the timing of the attack too increases the possibility of the main target being India as the suicide blast took place just a day before scores of Sikh pilgrims from India were slated to visit Nankana Sahib shrine in Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s birthday.
Though the attack also took place a day before Muharram, for which stringent security measures were in place.
At least sixty were killed and more than hundred were injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself at a checkpoint near Wagah border crossing just after the spectators were returning back after watching the beating retreat ceremony.
Remarkably, three terror groups – all either linked to or breakaway groups of Pakistan Taliban claimed the responsibility for the attack and authorities are yet to ascertain which group actually staged the blast.
Investigation has begun in the deadly blast and reports said that the remains of the bomber had been sent for forensic analysis.
Intelligence authorities in Pakistan defused more bombs near Wagah border crossing yesterday after conducting a search operation in the area.
According to a report in the Dawn, the intelligence agencies were informed about a “suspicion person” still present in the attack area after which they carried out a search operation, leading to recovery of many more suicide vests and explosives that were defused by the bomb squad men.
