Give up double standards: India to Pakistan on speeding up 26/11 trial

New Delhi: On the 13th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday called on Pakistan to expedite the trial into the attack and vowed to make every effort to seek justice for families of the “victims and martyrs”.

A senior diplomat from the High Commission of Pakistan in India was summoned by the MEA and urged to speed up the trial process. “It is a matter of deep anguish that even after 13 years of 26/11 Mumbai attack, families of 166 victims still await closure,” the Ministry said in a statement. In a note verbale handed over to the diplomat, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also asked Pakistan to abide by its commitment to not allow territories under its control for terrorism against India.

The MEA accused Pakistan of showing “little sincerity” in bringing the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.

“The 26/11 terrorist attack was planned, executed and launched from Pakistani territory,” the MEA’s statement read. “We once again call on the Government of Pakistan to give up double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice. This is not just a matter of Pakistan’s accountability to the families of the innocent victims who fell to terrorists, but also an international obligation.”

Thirteen years ago on November 26, 10 LeT terrorists stormed into the financial capital of the country and targeted some of its most crowded locations, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Hotel Trident, Nariman House, and Leopold Cafe. As many as 166 people were killed in the three-day attack.

Nine of the ten terrorists involved in the attack were killed by security forces. The only surviving attacker, Ajmal Kasab, was arrested and later hanged.

India and 14 other countries lost their nationals in the attack.

“Indian Missions in these countries are organising memorial events remembering the victims, both national and foreign, reminding the world of the continuing global threat of terrorism,” the MEA said.