Describing Hafiz Saeed as one of the "principal architects" of Mumbai terror attacks, US on Tuesday said the bounty of $10 million on his head demonstrated American "seriousness" on the issue and asked Pakistan not to allow its territory to be used as "launching pads" for terror.
Terming the bounty on JuD chief as an "unmistakable message" of solidarity with India, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna here on key issues such as terror, said, "As part of our 'Reward for Justice' programme, we have offered a USD 10 million reward that could lead to arrest or conviction of Saeed in those (Mumbai) attacks.
"Our offer demonstrates our seriousness in obtaining additional information which can withstand judicial scrutiny and which leads to arrest and conviction and brings the perpetrators and planners of the Mumbai attacks to justice" she said, while noting that it was also to "raise visibility".
Addressing a joint press conference with Krishna, she said, "We need to do more. We look to Pakistan to do more. It needs to make sure that its territory is not used as launching pads for terrorist attacks anywhere including inside Pakistan."
Underlining the need for "more concerted and stronger steps" from governments in combating terrorism, Clinton said it was also important for people of Pakistan who have been victims of this menace.
Noting that they discussed their respective relations with Pakistan, Krishna said, "Recent attacks in Kabul highlight once again the need for elimination of terrorist sanctuaries in the neighbourhood and the need for stronger action from Pakistan on terrorism, including on bringing to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai terrorist attack."
