India said on Tuesday that the serial grenade attacks in Srinagar were aimed at 'derailing' the peace process in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir police had leads about the culprits, it was stated, and they would be nabbed 'very soon'.
The attacks were aimed at 'derailing the peace process', Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters and made a veiled attack on Pakistan saying training of militants, supply of equipment and their support structure was 'not possible without strong backing'.
"We are constantly in touch with the Jammu and Kashmir police. They have leads. They will get these people very soon", Duggal said, while responding to a question on the involvement of local elements in the attacks.
Home Ministry sources said the director general of state police has been asked to make a breakthrough in the probe into the attacks in 48 hours.
He said, "The government strongly condemns the most cowardly act on innocent, unsuspecting tourists. Nobody has claimed responsibility as yet but we know we are going to get them."
Pointing out that the militants attacking the 'softest of soft targets is a matter of concern', Duggal said 'they have grouped a whole lot of vagabonds, criminals, adventurists and others (to carry out the attacks)'.
He, however, said there was no re-think on the ongoing peace process.
Recalling that militant attacks have declined since 1992 onwards, he said building bridges was having an impact on the people. "Nothing comes easy. It will take time," he said.
