Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010355671000.htm

National

No change in U.S. stand on extradition: India

Special Correspondent

“Yet another diversionary tactic by Pakistan”

India getting robust cooperation from U.S., U.K, say diplomatic sources
Transcripts clearly show Pakistan link of terrorists

NEW DELHI: India on Friday maintained that it was getting “robust cooperation” from the U.S. and the U.K., which submitted “damning evidence” to Islamabad of Pakistani territory having been used to mastermind the Mumbai terror attacks.

Refuting reports of a change in the U.S. stand on extradition of those involved in terror attacks in India, diplomatic sources here pointed out that Pakistan was obliged under regional and international conventions to hand over people like Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim.

Both the U.S. and the U.K., they pointed out, handed over transcripts of taped conversations between the terrorists wreaking havoc on Mumbai and their Pakistan-based handlers.

The transcripts clearly indicated that the terrorists were initially trained in a mountainous region in Pakistan, followed by their initiation into urban assault tactics in Karachi.

After leaving the shores of Karachi, the terrorists were in constant touch with their handlers.

Another flip-flop

Reports in the Pakistan media about a ‘change in stance’ on the part of the U.S., which now allegedly wants terrorists tried in the country, were “as substantive or as authoritative” as the previous flip-flops by Islamabad on tackling terror.

Barely two days ago, Pakistani media were quoted as saying the U.S. wanted the terror attack accused extradited to India, the sources pointed out.

Viewing this issue as yet another diversionary tactic by Pakistan, the sources said it was more important for Islamabad to demonstrate the resolve to remain committed to its international obligations.

“There is the latest U.N. Security Council resolution and Pakistan is also aware of several international conventions it has signed. It is time it started conforming to them.”

Not a new demand

“This demand for extradition is not new. We have been consistently asking for the repatriation of these two gentlemen, besides several others since 2002,” the sources said.

The sources wonder why Pakistan is making it appear as if the U.S. is opposing India’s request for extradition. The ‘list’ is independent of the Mumbai terror attacks and aimed at getting to the masterminds behind the repeated targeting of Indian cities through serial bomb blasts and other acts of violence.