New Delhi: Pakistan has said that if India insists on the extradition of the accused in the Mumbai attacks, Islamabad too will ask for the extradition of the accused in the 2007 Samjhauta Express blasts. Pakistan leaders have often cited the example of Lt Col S K Purohit and other Indians who, according to them, were responsible for the train blasts which killed 70.
"If the Indian demand for handing over the accused in the Mumbai attacks persisted, then the accused of the Samjhauta Express case might be asked for by Pakistan," Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik told Geo News.
Reacting to this statement, Defence minister A K Antony has told Pakistan to mind its own business. He was dismissed Pakistan's demand for Lt Col Purohit's extradition for his alleged role in the Samjahuta Express blast.
"This is are our internal matter and is being investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terroism Squad. How can Pakistan be concerned about that?" he asked.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma added, "The whole world in watching. Pakistan needs to bring to justice those responsible for Mumbai. It is firmly established that the dastardly attack carried out in Mumbai by an organisation identified and named by individuals who are nationals of Pakistan. It would be better that there is no diversion and deflection at this stage."
According to news agency PTI, during a meeting, Malik told Indian High Commissioner Satyabrata Pal about the inquiry being conducted by a three-member team into the information provided by New Delhi on the Mumbai attacks and other aspects of Pakistan's probe.
Pal, who sought the meeting with Malik, told PTI that the interior ministry chief had briefed him on the steps "already taken by the government by Pakistan as well as the steps it plans to take". He said he appreciated the "clarity and candour" of Malik's briefing. Pal also said he had told Malik that India will "wait to see and hope for what are positive outcomes of the steps" being taken by Pakistan.
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