Arun Jaitley slams Pak on mastermind release

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launched a scathing attack on Pakistan for JuD chief Hafeez Saeed's release from house arrest and told Islamabad that there is no place for a country in the world that backs terror.

"Pakistan released Saeed two days before the 26/11 Mumbai attack anniversary... the world is saying that there is no space for a country that supports terrorism," he said in poll-bound Gujarat's Surat on Sunday.

Saeed's release came as a setback to India's efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 attacks in which 166 people had been killed.

However, Jaitley, election in-charge of ruling BJP in Gujarat, said the situation in Kashmir has changed during the Narendra Modi government's rule, and for the first time, security forces have established dominance over terrorists.

He also said post-demonetization, funds used to gather stone-pelters have dried up and whoever becomes Lashkar 'commander' does not last for more than 2 to 3 months.

India had said on Friday that any adventure by the released mastermind of the Mumbai attacks will find an appropriate and resounding response from India.

Addressing a sermon at Lahore's Jamia Masjid Al Qadsia a day after walking free, the JuD chief said that he is "fighting for the freedom of Pakistan and Kashmir." He also said that he would gather people across Pakistan for the "cause of Kashmir" and try to help Kashmiris get their "destination of freedom".

Home Ministry officials said here that Saeed will get an appropriate and resounding response on the ground from the people and law enforcement agencies, if he carries out any adventure.

The United States has also asked Pakistan to re-arrest and charge Saeed for his crimes or face consequences.

A day after a Lahore High Court judicial review board Saeed's release from house arrest, India expressed "outrage" on Thursday, saying Pakistan has exposed its true face to the world by attempting to "mainstream" UN-proscribed terrorists.

(With agency inputs)