Hafiz Saeed’s release attempt to legitimise terrorists: India

NEW DELHI: India has slammed Pakistan for releasing the alleged mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, Hafiz Saeed, from house arrest, saying it is an attempt to “mainstream” proscribed terrorists. “It is evident that Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors, and its true face is visible for all to see,” the external affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday.

“India is outraged that a self-confessed and UN proscribed terrorist has been allowed to walk free. Pakistan’s lack of seriousness in bringing perpetrators of terror to justice is evident,” he said.

The Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and Jamaatud-Dawah chief walked free on Thursday after being put under house arrest in January. A Lahore high court review board on Wednesday rejected an appeal of the Pakistan government seeking to extend Saeed’s detention for more three months and ordered his release. Securty for Jadhav’s Wife Meanwhile, India has sought sovereign guarantee from Pakistan on safety and security of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s mother and wife if they visit him in Pakistan.

Kumar said that the ministry has conveyed to Pakistan that Jadhav’s wife and mother would like to visit him in prison. Jadhav, an Indian national, was arrested in Pakistan and charged with terrorism and spying, charges that India has denied. Kumar said that India’s positive response to allowing Jadhav’s wife and mother to meet him in Pakistan does not absolve Pakistan of Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which is the basis for diplomatic immunity between two countries.

Expressing hope that Pakistan will facilitate the duo’s meeting with Jadhav, Kumar said that the government is determined to ensure the release of “innocent Indian” Jadhav. A response from Pakistan is awaited, he said.