ISLAMABAD: The arrest of an alleged Indian ‘spy’ from Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province may derail the back channel diplomacy between the two countries after claims have been made that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was his “direct handler”, a media report said today.
Pakistan last week arrested Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged operative of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), from southern Balochistan.
Pakistan Army had also released a “confessional video” of Yadav, who said he was the serving Indian Navy officer.
The Express Tribune today reported that the mechanism involving the national security advisers (NSA) of two countries to discuss security and terrorism related issues is in danger of being scrapped after Doval’s name surfaced in the ongoing controversy.
“Security officials claimed that Yadav’s confessional statement has confirmed the Indian NSA’s role as being the architect of RAW’s current policy of stoking violence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan,” it said.
Military spokesperson Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa on Tuesday also claimed that Yadav was being directly handled by Doval.
The serious nature of the allegation against Doval has compelled Pakistan to reconsider the arrangement the two neighbours had put in place at the NSA-level talks last year to discuss counter-terrorism issues through back channels, it said.
“Is it appropriate to talk to a person who is directly involved in creating instability in Pakistan?” asked a security official, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.(Agencies)
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