Evidence on Hafiz Saeed handed over to Pakistan: Krishna

Bangalore, Apr 6 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M Krishna on Friday said India has handed over all evidence related to Jamaat-ud -Dawa (JD) chief Hafiz Saeed to Pakistan with regard to the latter's involvement in the planning and execution of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

When asked for comment on Prime Minister Yosuf Raza Gilani's statement that issues related to Saeed are Pakistan's internal matter, Krishna said: "The dossier that the Home Minister of India has provided to Government of Pakistan contains every detail of Hafiz Saeed's involvement in the planning and the execution of terrorist attack in Mumbai. So, no amount of denial would exonerate them, unless there is a judicial enquiry into the whole episode."

"Thereby, responsibilities can be fixed. But unfortunately, the Pakistan Government has not thought it proper to investigate this," he added.

Asked whether the Hafiz Saeed issue would be raised during Zardari's India visit this Sunday, Krishna said: " This is Zardari's private visit. He is coming on a religious mission to the Ajmer shrine. The very fact is that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is hosting a lunch in honour of President Zardari. I don't know if it will be discussed during Zardari's visit, but still there is a chance."

On Indo-Pak relations, Krishna said: "Well I think from what I have gathered after Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani's visit to India ( in July 2011), she told me that the mindset has changed in Pakistan. So, I believe her, and I think, India and Pakistan's bilateral relations will grow."

Gilani has openly backed Hafiz Saeed, and criticized the US bounty 10 million dollars. Gilani earlier said all evidence against Hafiz Saeed should be handed over to Pakistan for the courts to consider since this is an internal matter of the country.

Saeed is said to be the founder of the terror outfits Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and the chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Saeed is believed to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

He is on India's most wanted list. (ANI)