Saeed free: New Delhi questions Pak’s commitment to fight terror

Expressing “outrage” over Pakistan’s decision to release Hafiz Saeed from its detention, India on Thursday questioned Islamabad’s commitment to fight terrorism by freeing such internationally proscribed terrorists. The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan should take credible and effective action against terrorists like Hafiz Saeed, who was the brain behind the Mumbai 26/11 attacks in 2008 in which 166 persons were killed.

“We have seen reports on the release of the leader of banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Tayyeba and internationally proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed from house arrest by Pakistan. He was the prime organiser of the Mumbai terror attacks in which many Indians and nationals of several other countries were killed. He is also responsible for unleashing numerous other terror attacks against Pakistan’s neighbours.

His release confirms once again the lack of seriousness on the part of Pakistani Government in bringing to justice perpetrators of heinous acts of terrorism, including by individuals and entities designated by the United Nations,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Under pressure from the United States, Saeed was under detention since January. The former chief of the banned terror outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawa carries a bounty of $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. Saeed will walk free after a Judicial Review Board of Punjab Province comprising of judges from the Lahore High Court, on Wednesday ordered his release from the house arrest.

Raveesh said Saeed’s release appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists. “Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors and its true face is visible for all to see. India, as indeed the entire international community, is outraged that a self-confessed and UN proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue his evil agenda,” the spokesperson said. He added that India believed that it is the responsibility of Pakistani Government to fulfil its international obligations and take credible and effective action against terrorists like Saeed. “India, as indeed the entire international community, is outraged that a self-confessed and UN proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue his evil agenda,” Raveesh said.