Terrorist Hafiz Saeed Walks Free In Pakistan Ahead Of 26/11 Anniversary, Promising To Fight For Kashmiri Cause
Just days to go for the 9th anniversary of 26/11, the biggest terror attack in India soil, our neighbour Pakistan has rubbed salt into the wound, by releasing Hafiz Saeed, the man India and the US accuse of masterminding the dastardly strike.
The Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief who was taken into detention under the Anti-Terrorism Act 199 in January this year has been freed after his custody was extended twice since.
AFP
The Judicial Review Board of Punjab province comprising judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC) had unanimously ordered Saeed's release on the completion of his 30-day house arrest.
"Saeed has been freed as the Punjab government decided not to detain him further in any other case," a top official said.
Upon his release, Saeed has gone back to doing what he does best, spewing venom against India.
AFP
"I was detained for 10 months only to stop my voice for Kashmir," Saeed told his supporters.
The globally designated terrorist who has a US bounty of $10 million on his head went on to claim that,
"I fight the case of Kashmiris. I will gather the people from across the country for the cause of Kashmir. And we will try to help Kashmiris get their destination of freedom."
AFP
Saeed's release, as expected has not gone down well in India.?
The Indian Foreign ministry said the move was an "attempt by Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists". "It is evident that Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors and its true face is for all to see," the ministry said.?
AFP
The US too, which has time and again reminded Pakistan about its lack of commitment and decisive action to fight terrorism is not pleased with the developments.
For Pakistan, the release of Saeed comes at a time when the new government led by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has assumed office and is yet to establish itself as an able administration.
