Neoavatara

Pakistan Slowly Moves On Mumbai Evidence January 15, 2009

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/15/pakistan.main/index.html

Pakistan is holding up to 124 suspects, either in jail or under house arrest, for the Mumbai terrorist attacks last year.

Despite the announcement, Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik dodged a question on whether Pakistan was conceding the plot that killed 164 people in India’s commercial capital was hatched on his country’s soil.

In a press conference, Malik said 124 people had been arrested, while authorities had taken steps against 20 offices, 87 schools, two libraries, seven religious schools, and a handful of other organizations and Web sites linked to the charity. He also said authorities had shut several relief camps of the charity, some of which have been alleged to be militant training grounds.

Among those who are being held, including under house arrest, are Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, the head of the charity who helped establish the militant group, which was banned in 2002. Also in custody are Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Zarrar Shah, two men India alleges planned the Mumbai attacks.

“We have to prove to the world that India and Pakistan stand together against terrorists because they are the common enemies,” Malik said.

At this point, I will give Pakistan the benefit of the doubt.  We must understand that things move very slowly in that part of the world.  And I am willing to give Pakistan a little leeway, for now.  But ultimately, Pakistan has to understand that the timeframe is not open ended.  With Indian elections in a few months, the rhetoric on the Indian side will ramp up, and will obviously cause more anger regarding these issues.  It will be in everyone’s interests if Pakistan moves as quickly as possible to start court precedings.