26/11 Mastermind Hafiz Saeed Finally Under House Arrest In Pak, Blames 'Modi-Trump Friendship'

One of India's most wanted terrorists, Hafiz Saeed has blamed the 'growing friendship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump' for his surprise house arrest by Pakistani authorities.

In a video message posted on Monday following his detention, Saeed alleged that Pakistan government took the decision under international pressure.

Reuters

He said that India had put pressure on Trump to act against him as he wanted close ties with Modi. Saeed, who has never held back his hatred towards the US in the video message, however, says he doesn't have any issue with America and it was only with India.

Raking up Kashmir once again, the globally designated terrorist said he will continue the "fight for Kashmir" no matter if he is under house arrest.

Reuters

In what came as a surprise move to many, Pakistan had on Monday placed Saeed and his four aides under house arrest for their activities to ‘harm peace and security’. Saeed along with his aides will be held at his residence in Johar town which has now been converted into a sub-jail for the next three months.

Simultaneously, a crackdown was also launched Jamaat-ud-Dawa headquarters and offices in Muridke and Lahore.

According to a notification issued by the Pakistan Interior Ministry, Saeed has been detained under Section 11-EEE(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Reacting to the development, Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the government was taking steps to fulfil its international obligations regarding JuD.?

AP

Khan also hinted at taking steps against JuD.?

“The organisation has been under observation since 2010-11. Since it has also been listed by the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee, we are bound to take some steps and we are taking those steps to fulfil our obligations.”

While Pakistan claims that its action wasn't under pressure, it is worthwhile to note that there were reports that Trump could enlist Pakistan to the names of countries from which citizens have been temporarily banned entry into the US.

Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack has evaded law for all these years due to his proximity with the political and military leadership in Islamabad.

Despite India's demanding him to be tried for his crimes, Pakistan has always protected him, even at the expense of facing international isolation.