Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that Hafiz Saeed continues to enjoy freedom in Pakistan as it called for initiation of action against the Jamaatud Dawa chief.
“His claims that his various front organisations are carrying out charitable work is a fig leaf. It is not even a fig leaf I would say” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, adding, “Such elements are indulged in terrorist activities and terrorist financing; it should be a matter of great concern for everyone that people like Hafiz Saeed and his associates continue to enjoy freedom to indulge in their activities.”
Swarup asked Islamabad to initiate action against such elements.
“In October, we had seen that the Pakistan government had banned the electronic coverage of some of these organisations including the one to which Hafiz Saeed belongs. But, we are seeing now that Hafiz Saeed is making statements after statements and his rallies are being covered. So, obviously the authorities concerned need to take actions,” he added.
JuD chief Hafiz Saeed had on Wednesday allegedly praised last month’s terrorist attack at India’s Pathankot air force base and allegedly encouraged similar attacks against India. Saeed also lauded Kashmiri leader Sayed Salahuddin who heads the United Jihad Council (UJC) that has claimed responsibility for the attack.