London: Asserting that recent successes of security forces have dealt a blow to terrorist groups operating in India, a member of National Security Advisory Bureau has hoped that international pressure on Pakistan will force it to stop helping Islamic militant organisations.

"I firmly believe the successes of security forces in the recent days have dealt a firm blow to the Islamic militant organisations, and this structure would be soon dismantled," Arun Bhagat said in BBC Hindi Special Programme 'Aapki Baat BBC Ke Saath' broadcast on August 31 night.

"The recent successes in Srinagar and the success of the Delhi police on August 30 night, show that efforts are being made," Bhagat said.

"The international pressure on Pakistan, which is helping such organisations would force it to stop this," Bhagat, who formerly held posts like director of the Intelligence Bureau, director general of the Border Security Force and police commissioner of Delhi, said.

To a question on recent bomb blasts in Mumbai, Bhagat said the fight against militancy would have to be a long one and "we would have to be ready to suffer losses also".

Admitting that one could not prevent each and every militant strike, he said the police had succeeded in bursting more than 250 militant cells in 2002.

"But this is a long drawn battle because the centres of militant organisations are outside the country, from where they get all possible help – training, money – we have not been able to reach the centres outside the country," he said.

PTI