26/11 Mumbai attacks: Bail to LeT commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi a shock, says PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Commenting on Pakistan court's decision to grant bail to 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said, "India has strongly conveyed to Pakistan its sentiments."

"Bail to LeT commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi has come as a shock to all those who believe in humanity worldover," Modi said in the Parliament. "India's approach towards Pakistan on the issue will be in tune with sentiments expressed by members," PM Modi said after MPs expressed outrage in Parliament.

Pakistani local court on Thursday granted bail to Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi, provoking sharp reactions from New Delhi. However, later in the day, a Pakistan Interior Ministry spokesman told PTI that the government would certainly file an appeal against the trial court’s decision.

“We have a strong case against the seven accused of the Mumbai terror attacks and we will challenge Lakhvi’s bail in the high court,” the official told the news agency on condition of anonymity. He added that the government may not release Lakhvi under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.

Nine of the terrorists involved in the attack were killed by Indian security forces. The only surviving attacker, Ajmal Kasab, was hanged after conviction by a trial court that was confirmed and upheld by higher courts in India.

Before the Pakistan government’s decision was announced, Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked the Pakistan government to immediately appeal against the decision in a higher court so that the bail was cancelled. Terming the development as “highly unfortunate,” Singh said that India had given enough evidence to Pakistan to ensure Lakhvi was convicted. He also drew a parallel with the conviction and hanging of Ajmal Kasab through a speedy trail and said he would speak to Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj to speak to the Pakistan government regarding the bail given to Lakhvi.

MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said Pakistan had to realise there can’t be any selective approach towards terror. “99% evidence for 26/11 is in Pakistan. The 1% we have has been handed to Pakistan. A grant of bail to Lakhvi will serve as reassurance to terrorists to perpetrate heinous crimes,” he said.