MUMBAI ATTACKS

Still waiting for strong action, India tells Pak

New Delhi, November 26
Observing the third anniversary of the Mumbai attack, India today reminded Islamabad that it was still waiting for a decisive action against the perpetrators of the ‘mindless violence’’ unleashed by terrorists from Pakistan.

“I once again call on our neighbour to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crime to speedy justice,’’ External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said while underlining that New Delhi had provided ‘enough evidence’ to Pakistan to prosecute the guilty.

With the Indian establishment convinced about the involvement of the Pakistan military in the carnage that left 166 persons dead, Krishna said it must be realised that the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy has no place in today’s world and was self destructive.

On the latest statement by Islamabad asking New Delhi to provide credible evidence, the minister said “I think the evidence given by the Ministry of Home Affairs would be sufficient for any normal civilian court to prosecute the people involved in the conspiracy and the perpetrators of the crime.’’

Asked about the visit of a team of the Pakistan judicial commission to India to meet officials connected with the Mumbai attack probe, he said the two countries were working out the modalities for its visit. “It has been agreed in principle…let us wait for the dates.’’

He reminded Pakistan that no cause could justify the use of terrorism for attainment of goals, whosoever they might be. There also could not be a selective fight against terror. The scourge has to be fought comprehensively and eradicated in all its forms and manifestations.

Krishna said issues must be resolved through a peaceful dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence. India was committed to having a peaceful, friendly and cooperative relationship with all its neighbours for progress and prosperity of the region.
Meanwhile, Indian officials were shocked over Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s statement that India had not provided sufficient evidence against Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Mohammed Hafiz Saeed for his involvement in the 26/11 conspiracy. One source said the dossiers given by India to Pakistan over the past three years contain ‘irrefutable evidence’ that Saeed masterminded the carnage and was in constant touch with the terrorists who unleashed mayhem in Mumbai.
New Delhi is also surprised that various ‘jehadi’ groups had again started a vicious campaign against India in Pakistan and nothing was done by Islamabad to check their activities. In this connection, they drew attention to the anti-India rallies staged by the JuD in Lahore and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) over the past two days.

KRISHNA SPEAKs

• The use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy has no place in today’s world
• No cause could justify the use of terrorism for attainment of goals, whosoever they might be
• There could not be a selective fight against terror.
• The scourge has to be fought comprehensively and eradicated in all its forms and manifestations.
• Issues must be resolved through a peaceful dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.