Delhi blast rekindles memories of 2000 Red Fort terror attack by Lashkar-e-Taiba

Red Fort Terrorist Attack 2000. (File Image)

The explosion in Delhi, in which nine people died and 20 people were seriously injured, refreshed the memories of the terrorist attack that took place in the same region 25 years ago. If media reports are to be believed, both attacks were carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist groups. Although their modus operandi was different, their purpose was the same; to strike terror into the hearts of people and threaten the state of India.

Lashkar-e-Taiba 2000 attack

Some senior citizens living in the Red Fort area may remember the terrorist attack that took place on December 22, 2000. Two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists killed two Indian Army personnel of the 7th Rajputana Rifles and a civilian security guard around 9 pm when they burst into the 16th-century fort and started firing indiscriminately. The battalion’s Rapid Response Team reacted quickly and returned fire. However, the intruders escaped from the Red Fort by breaching the boundary wall at the rear of the complex. Civilian guard Abdullah Thakur, Rifleman Uma Shankar Singh and Naik Ashok Kumar were killed in the attack. Naik Ashok Kumar died of his injuries at a hospital in Delhi.

Red Fort terrorist attack

Analysts believe that the attack was an attempt by the Islamabad deep state to derail India-Pakistan talks. It was felt that this could reduce tensions and importance as the Pakistan Army did not want a peaceful relationship with India; They sabotaged the talks.

Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack. Years later, on January 10, 2018, Delhi Police Special Cell and Gujarat ATS nabbed LeT officer Bilal Ahmed Kawa, who had planned and executed the terror attack. In October 2005, six more people were sentenced to sentences of varying lengths. However, they were released in September 2007 due to lack of evidence.