On the third anniversary of the 26/11 attack, India on Saturday reminded Pakistan it was still awaiting “decisive” action against perpetrators of the crime, and said evidence provided by it was sufficient to prosecute those behind the “inhuman act”.
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna also said that the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy has no place in today’s world and is self destructive.
“We are still waiting for Pakistan to act decisively to bring to justice the perpetrators of the mindless violence that was unleashed on Mumbai. We are still waiting,” Mr. Krishna told reporters in New Delhi.
He said the evidence given by the Home Ministry to Pakistan in the Mumbai terror attack case was sufficient for “any normal court” to prosecute the accused.
“I think the evidence provided 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 this crime,” Mr. Krishna said.
“I once again call on our neighbour to bring the perpetrators of the crime to speedy justice,” he said.
Pointing out that no cause can justify terror as a means to achieve goals, Mr. Krishna said the fight against the scourge “cannot be selective“.
“The scourge of terrorism has to be comprehensively fought and eradicated in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.
“It must be realised that use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy, has no place in today’s world and is self destructive,” Mr. Krishna said.
He said issues have to be resolved through peaceful dialogue and in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.
Asked about the visit of Pakistan Judicial Commission to India to interview key persons connected with the 26/11 terror attack probe, Mr. Krishna said the two countries were working on its modalities.
“It has been agreed in principle. Let is wait for the dates,” he said.
Mr. Krishna said India was committed to having a peaceful, friendly and cooperative relationship with all its neighbours for progress and prosperity in the region.
“We call upon all our neighbours to join us in this endeavour of building a better future for our peoples,” he said.
Mr. Krishna also paid homage to the victims and martyrs of the terror attacks in Mumbai.
“I join my countrymen in paying respectful homage to the innocent men, women and children whose lives were most tragically snuffed out by the inhuman act of terrorism, inspired and carried out from across our borders, three year ago, on this day, in Mumbai,” he said.
“We also salute the courage and fortitude of the families who lost their loved ones in that senseless act of violence,” he said.
Mr. Krishna hoped that the US would continue to cooperate with India in further probe of David Coleman Headley, who is being tried in a Chicago court in connection with the 26/11 case.
“I am sure that the USA being a friendly country of ours will continue to be friendly with us on this aspect,” he said to a question on Washington not being forthcoming in sharing details about Headley.
Mr. Krishna said one must not forget that Indian investigators were given access to Headley and interrogate him.
Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivor of the 10 Pakistani terrorists who attacked Mumbai, has been found guilty of killing at least 59 people in the carnage.
He has been charged with murder and waging war against the Indian state amongst other crimes and was given a death sentence by special court.
Kasab’s sentence was appealed in the Bombay High Court, which upheld the death penalty in February. The matter is before the Supreme Court.
