October 17, 2003	Friday	Sha'aban 20, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16: India is running six terrorist training camps inside Afghanistan for subversive activities and attacks on Pakistani territory, Islamabad says.

It is the first time Pakistan has alleged the existence of Indian-sponsored training camps in Afghanistan, though it has repeatedly accused Indian consulates there of indulging in anti- Pakistan activity.

Federal interior minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said the camps had been set up by Indian consulates functioning in Herat, Kandahar and Jalalabad.

“There are six terrorist camps where Indian intelligence agency the Research and Analysis Wing trains Pakistani dissidents and like-minded Afghans to stir ethnic and sectarian unrest and carry out attacks in Pakistan,” Mr Hayat said.

He did not disclose the exact locations of the alleged camps but said Pakistani security agencies had obtained credible evidence from infiltrators arrested in recent weeks.

“RAW provides funds as well as fake Pakistani identity cards and fake currency to recruits, who are then sent into Pakistan after training to make attacks.”

The interior minister said investigators had found evidence of an “Indian hand” in the July 4 massacre of more than 50 Shias at a mosque in Quetta.

“We have told the Afghan government on a number of times ... that activities of Indian consulates are not in the interest of Afghanistan also ... We expect reciprocity from Afghan government in cracking down on these camps.”—AFP