16 September 10:22PM -- Singapore Time India shares info with US on terrorist probe

NEW DELHI -- Indian intelligence officials say they have shared sensitive information with the United States about Islamic extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including photographs, maps -- and footage of militants using a picture of former President Clinton for target practice.

A top Indian intelligence official told The Associated Press that the information was evidence describing how Osama bin Laden and other Muslim militant leaders were financing guerilla groups and running armed training camps in Pakistan and southern Afghanistan.

The official said the intelligence gathered over years by India -- Pakistan's eastern neighbour and its enemy in three wars since 1947 -- can be of crucial help in the American investigation into the terror attacks on New York and Washington.

The documents provided to US investigators included transcripts of conversations among militant groups and descriptions, locations, photographs and video footage of camps, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said video clips showed members of groups including Lashkar-e-Tayyaba -- a large Pakistan-based militant organisation that is fighting to separate the Indian-ruled portion of disputed Kashmir from India -- firing at enlarged photographs of former US President Bill Clinton during training.

Lashkar-e-Tayyaba is among the most active groups battling Indian troops in Indian Kashmir. There are several strong militant Islamic groups operating in Pakistan, and tens of thousands of religious schools that turn out young boys dedicated to jihad, or holy war. -- AP

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/breakingnews/story/0,1895,70866,00.html?

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 16, 2001

Answers

If this is true, it should be a bonanza of vital information--a veritable treasure chest.

It figures--because India and Pakistan, being mortal enemies--that India would be keeping a close eye on everything going on in Pakistan.

-- Uncle Fred (dogboy45@bigfoot.com), September 16, 2001.