NEW DELHI: In a sharp terms, India on Monday conveyed to Pakistan its “strong concern” at the lack of effective action by it in Mumbai attacks mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi’s cancellation of detention, by summoning its Ambassador Abdul Basit here.
An MEA statement said India conveyed that it was “extremely disturbing that despite the assurances we have been receiving over the last 6 years, and the recent tragedies in Pakistan, there seems to be no end in sight to Pakistan remaining a safe-haven for a well-known terror group”. The mention of “recent tragedies” was in reference to the Peshawar school tragedy, in which over 130 children were shot dead. It had led to outpouring of support from India and others — though it turned into anger when Lakhvi got bail.
At that time, India had asked Pakistan to take immediate steps to “reverse the decision”. The next day, Lakhvi was detained under the MPO. After getting the ATC judgment, Lakhvi’s counsel applied in the Islamabad HC, where he asserted that it was a violation of fundamental right.
According to one theory, Pakistan had pre-planned the release of Lakhvi during this period — as part of a plan to ratchet up tension in bilateral relations ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India.
“But the Peshawar attack happened… and perhaps that messed up their plans. Suppose the school attack had not taken place and Lakhvi had walked free... India would have protested, but there may not have been extreme disgust that it generated,” said a senior official.