New Delhi, Nov 26: Three years after Mumbai's 26/11 terror attack, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has sent out a tough message, urging Pakistan to act against the perpetrators of the attack.
"I call upon Pakistan to bring the perpetrators and conspirators of this crime to speedy justice," he said on Saturday. Speaking on the fight against terror, he said, "There cannot be a selective fight against terrorism."
He also said that the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy can be self destructive. "Issues have to be resolved through dialogue," he said.
He pressed on the fact that Pakistan needs to act decisively, claiming that the evidence provided by the Home Ministry is sufficient for any normal civilian court to prosecute the perpetrators of the crime.
This came a day after Pakistan asked India to provide 'credible evidence' against those accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
"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," 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, Krishna said the two countries were working on its modalities.
"It has been agreed in principle. Let is wait for the dates," he said.
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 people," he said.
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.
He also expressed hope that the US will extend help in probing the 26/11 terror attacks.
"Our agencies were given access to interrogate David Headley. If there are any additional inputs that we would like to have, I am sure US, a friendly country to us, will cooperate with us," he said.
Earlier, on Friday Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik said, "Pakistan took action against Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and others accused of involvement in the Mumbai attack on the basis of evidence provided by India but the suspects were released because the information given by New Delhi was vague and insufficient."

Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST