Thursday, September 21 2006 16:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: As Indian and Pakistani officials begin deliberations on the proposed joint mechanism for counter-terrorism, two contemporaneous terror-related developments in India have emerged as a litmus test for General Pervez Musharraf's seriousness of purpose.

The verdicts of the special TADA court in the 1993 serial blasts and the investigation into the 11/7 bombings have substantiated the suspicion of Pakistani involvement in terror attacks. Officials said 11/7 will be among the first test cases that determine the efficacy of the new mechanism. The government would like Pakistan to investigate such 'leads' as the one emanating from Faisal Sheikh, an 11/7 accused, who said he regularly received money from Azam Cheema, the Lashkar-e-Tayiba's Pakistan-based chief.

Agencies also want to have explored leads suggesting Pakistani complicity in bomb attacks in Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Delhi.

Senior officials said the mechanism would be similar to the joint working group on terrorism that operates with countries such as the US and would ensure peace in India as long as it lasts. "That would be the biggest bonus," one said.

But sources said the nature and quantum of information to be shared with Pakistan would be critical to the mechanism.

"We have to overcome our traditional mindset," an officer said.