New Delhi: India on Friday lodged a strong protest over the release of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, a prime accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, saying the "negative development" reinforced the perception that Pakistan has a dual policy on dealing with terrorists.
"Our High Commissioner has registered our strong concerns with the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan at the release of a principal accused in the Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008," the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said.
Read: 26/11 mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi walks free from Pakistan jail
"He underlined that this has reinforced the perception that Pakistan has a dual policy on dealing with terrorists and those who have carried out attacks or are posing a threat to India are being dealt with differently and emphasised that this is a most negative development in so far as bilateral ties are concerned," he said.
Read: Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's release an insult to 26/11 victims: India
Pakistan, meanwhile, has reacted strongly to India's charges and has instead blamed New Delhi for Lakhvi's release.
"Inordinate delay on part of India in extending cooperation complicated Lakhvi's case and weakened the prosecution," Pak foreign office said.
Read: Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's release unfortunate, disappointing: Rajnath Singh
"We respect the judicial process and are confident that it would serve the interest of justice," it said.
