Krishna to bring up Headley revelations during talks

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S M Krishna, who arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday, will seek an update on the progress made in the 26/11 investigations and mount pressure on Pakistan to act against the perpetrators of the attack in the light of the revelations by Lashkar operative David Coleman Headley.

With Headley also revealing details of the links between state and non-state actors, Mr Krishna also warned that Pakistan’s contention of making a distinction between state and non-state actors was “untenable”.

Mr Krishna in an interview to a news agency said “it is common knowledge that terrorist groups and individuals have been provided sanctuaries and safe havens” in this country and warned against “selective efforts.”

On arrival in Islamabad, the external affairs minister referred to the information shared by Headley on the 26/11 plot and said that he would seek feedback from Pakistan on the contents of the Headley confession, which was shared by India during the home minister level interaction last month.

“I also look forward to receiving feedback on the issues raised by our home minister during his visit to Pakistan last month on our core concern of terrorism, particularly in the light of the discussions our home minister had in Pakistan in the context of the interrogation of David Coleman Headley regarding the Mumbai terrorist attack,’’ Mr Krishna said.

Headley’s confession has established that Lashkar founder Hafiz Saeed was involved in the Mumbai terror attack plot right from the planning stages to the execution of the terror attacks on multiple spots in Mumbai.
Headley had also told Indian investigators that ISI was involved in the plot and named serving Pakistani officers who were in touch with the handlers guiding terrorists carrying out the plot. India now expects action in the light of these new revelations on the 26/11 plot.

Mr Krishna also expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the 26/11 trial. Taking note of the ongoing trial, Mr Krishna said that `more needed to be done. He said that Pakistan would need to bring the Mumbai terrorist attack investigation and trial in Pakistan to a conclusion expeditiously and in a transparent manner, unveil the larger conspiracy in Pakistan behind the Mumbai terrorist attack and take action against the ideologues and others involved in anti-India activities in the territory under its control.

Though Mr Krishna termed his visit to Pakistan as important and said that it marked a `new beginning’ in ties between the two countries, New Delhi is clear that the course of the new initiative will be decided by the action Islamabad takes against the perpetrators of the 26/11 attack and the terror infrastructure targeted at India.

So far Islamabad has not taken any action against Hafiz Saeed, which remains an issue of concern for India. New Delhi is also annoyed that the Pakistani establishment has refused to muzzle Saeed, who has not let up on his anti India diatribe. Pakistan government’s defence that Saeed’s speeches constitute freedom of speech has been rejected by India as Saeed’s speeches are aimed at inciting jihad against India.

But Mr Krishna’s visit to Islamabad is the beginning of a new chapter in Indo-Pak ties. Mr Krishna said that he would discuss issues of `mutual interest and concern’ and described his visit as important.

“This is an important visit as it marks the beginning of a new journey in our efforts to build a peaceful, friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries,’’ Mr Krishna said. Mr Krishna in his three day visit will hold talks with Mr Qureshi and call on Pak President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.

“We hope to discuss all issues of mutual interest and concern that can contribute to restoring trust and building confidence in our bilateral relationship. India is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan through a peaceful dialogue and negotiations, based on mutual trust and confidence,’’ he said.