Date:22/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/22/stories/2006072216880100.htm

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India: hand over Dawood, Salahuddin

Amit Baruah

India expresses disappointment over President Pervez Musharraf's remarks

NEW DELHI: India on Friday expressed disappointment over Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's remarks on Thursday, and asked Islamabad to hand over wanted men like Syed Salahuddin of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim as proof of its cooperation in the battle against terror.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesman said India was disappointed at the General's continued denial of the presence of terror groups in his country and Pakistan's failure to take action against "jehadi" outfits.

Gen. Musharraf's offer of help in fighting terrorism gave India no cause for satisfaction, in view of Pakistan's past refusal to take action against terror groups and individuals.

The spokesman said though India gave Pakistan details of terror groups and individuals during the Home Secretary-level talks in May, no action was taken so far. However, India would continue to provide Pakistan with all possible evidence of terror activity. New Delhi remained committed to the dialogue process but this would yield results only if Islamabad acted against terrorist groups in line with its January 2004 commitment.

If Pakistan really wanted to convince the Indian people that it was taking action against terrorists, some steps had to be taken immediately. Also, Islamabad could ban the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the parent wing of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, and arrest its leader, the spokesman said.