New Delhi: Occupants of a Pakistani vessel that blew up and sank off the coast of Gujarat were “suspected terrorists”, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Monday.
“I think they were suspected terrorists as they committed suicide. A normal boat even carrying drugs can surrender,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.
“Why would smugglers stay in touch with Pakistani maritime authorities? Furthermore, why would they commit suicide?” Parrikar questioned.
“…the people on the boat decided to blow themselves up instead of surrendering. Smugglers can always surrender the drugs,” he added.
In a blatant reminder of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the Indian Coast Guard in a dramatic chase intercepted and stopped the boat.
The vessel, which had set off from near Karachi on the eve of New Year, turned into a ball of fire and sank after its occupants, believe to be four in number, set it on fire on January 1.
