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FBI Warns Americans In Pakistan Of Danger From Extremists Backed By bin Laden

A P Kamath

The warning issued by the State Department on Friday that extremists sponsored by Osama bin Laden are preparing to attack Americans and American businesses in Pakistan has further galvanized the lobbying efforts of many Indian Americans across the country.

"For several months we have been telling influential lawmakers in Washington that while Pakistan has been encouraging militants, many of them reportedly from Afghanistan, to attack India in Kargil, American interests too faced danger from these very people across Pakistan," says Swadesh Chatterjee, president of the influential Indian American Forum for Political Education.

While the American administration boldly took the steps to acknowledge India's claims in Kargil and nudged the Pakistani prime minister to order the militants back, Chatterjee and many other community leaders feel the American administration should realize fully that Pakistan will continue to pose a problem not only to New Delhi but also to Washington.

"Despite years of American support to Pakistan, people over there do not like the Americans," said Krishna Srinivasa, a prominent businessman in Atlanta and a veteran community leader. "India, on the other hand, is a far better country to deal with. Economically, with over 200 million middle class men and women, India should be far more attractive to American investors."

The FBI travel advisory also said that fundamentalist groups in Pakistan opposed to any efforts to diffuse tensions with India over Kashmir have issued threats against Americans.

FBI suspects that Osaman bin Laden, who is on the FBI's 10 most wanted list, and reportedly lives in Afghanistan is planning attacks on the American missions. Washington is reminded of the bomb attacks on its embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, which were reportedly carried out at the behest of bin Laden.

The FBI said one group in particular, the Harakat-ul-Muhajideen, recently issued a 'ban' on Americans, including diplomats, traveling to Kashmir in India.

The FBI also added that the group is active on both sides of the Line of Control

The advisory warned Americans to evaluate security and safety factors before deciding to travel to Pakistan.

"Law-makers across America are realizing that while India acted with extreme restraint and caution in Kargil, militants in Pakistan continue to go berserk," said S Puri, an Illinois businessman who is one of the most effective promoters of Indian interests. "The government in Pakistan not only encourages these militants but also pretends to look the other way when terrorist attacks are planned."

Chatterjee said the newly perceived threats should make Washington appreciate India more. "We too should seize the opportunity to promote long lasting and better ties between India and America."

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