New Delhi, Dec 2: In a noteworthy statement, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram Thursday said Pakistan’s overt support to state and non-state actors involved in cross-border militant violence has diminished “but Islamabad has not delivered on its promise to bring the 26/11 perpetrators to justice.”
“I think they have realised that any overt support to state actors or non-state actors, if that is discovered, they will pay a heavy price. So I think overt support has certainly diminished. Covert support, I really can’t make an assessment,” Chidambaram said in an interview to Doordarshan.
Chidambaram denied there were different voices in the government on Pakistan. He said on issues like liberalization of the visa regime, exchange of prisoners and fishermen detained on both sides and cross-border trade, India can move the extra mile.
“But on terror-related issues I don’t think we can do anything but remain firm and make sure that Pakistan delivers.”
While supporting the dialogue process, Chidambaram ruled out any immediate possibility of a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik.
Chidambaram said Pakistani ministers had promised him that seven people whose names had been handed over in connection with the 26/11 attack would be arrested and their voice samples delivered.
“They have not delivered on the promise. The trial has not started. The judge has been changed four or, may be, five times. Now what do I conclude - that Pakistan is not serious about bringing to justice real perpetrators behind 26/11,” Chidambaram said.
On reports about facilities provided to Hafiz Sayeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - accused in the 26/11 conspiracy - Chidambaram said Pakistan’s attitude is there for all to see and diminishes its credibility.
“If this one guy (Lakhvi) is treated with such kindness, generosity what does that say about the credibility of Pakistan’s justice system? It is not only I (who) read about Lakhvi having access to cell phones, the whole world is reading it...I think they should introspect themselves.” IANS

Lastupdate on : Fri, 2 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 2 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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