Terror investigation

The public, in its wisdom, has not pre-judged anything. It has applauded the capture of the top two wanted terrorists, but neither does it think that the captures prove the government is necessarily serious about getting to the bottom of the terror threat, not does it assume the government carries no conviction. The public is waiting to see what transpires before making a determination. The government should welcome this maturity and use the opportunity to establish its counter-terrorism bona fides.

It is imperative that the investigation be neutral and far-reaching and that no stone be left unturned in reaching substantive conclusions. In the past, this government, as have the others before it, maintained secrecy about investigations and nothing much has come to light. This will not be acceptable to the public in this case. The public will demand to know what the investigations bring to light. Sweeping the relevant facts under the carpet will seriously damage the government's reputation and be bad for the country.

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Already there are reports suggesting that investigations do not seem geared to looking into the identity of those who sponsored, supported, and sheltered the terrorists. No such impression should gain ground, at this crucial stage of shaping the direction of investigations, that the government is steering these away from the all important question of who in the administration or in positions of power might have aided and abetted the extremists.

This approach will do immense damage, both to the investigation, the government's credibility, and the stability of the country. For the sake of the nation's security, we must root out those in power who have links with the militants, and if the government does not pursue this avenue of inquiry, it could further polarise the country when the need of the hour is unity in the face of the terrorists.

The entire nation, if not the world, is watching, and if the government is seen to be dragging its feet on getting to the bottom of terrorism despite having the kingpins in its hands then the negative consequences, both for the nation as a whole, and the government itself, will be immeasurable.