New Delhi: Expressing outrage that a UN-proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free” in Pakistan, India on Thursday described the move by a Pakistani court to release Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed as an “attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists”, adding that Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding terrorists.
In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We have seen reports on the release of the leader of banned terrorist organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and internationally proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed from house arrest by Pakistan. As you are aware, 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. It also 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.”
The MEA added, “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.” According to agency reports on Wednesday, JuD chief Hafiz Saeed will soon walk free after a Pakistani judicial body ordered his release from house arrest, in a setback to India’s efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
