Congress, BJP ask PM to raise Saeed Hafiz issue with Zardari

New Delhi, Apr.7 (ANI): The Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ask for strict action against Lashkar-e-Toiba founder and 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks plotter Hafiz Saeed when he meets Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday.

The BJP demanded that India take up the twin issues of Hafiz Saeed and Sarabjit Singh with Zardari.

BJP lawmaker Tarun Vijay said: "He (Zardari) is on a personal visit. We welcome his visit. Zardari is himself in a problem in his country. India must convey his concerns regarding terrorists who are being shielded in Pakistan."

Vijay added: "Hafiz Saeed is India's criminal. It is ironical that US has announced for an award. This should be definitely conveyed to Zardari when he arrives in India. Sarabjit Singh should also be discussed this time."

Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said: "Saeed must be handed over to India."

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said: "If Indo-Pak relations are to improve, Hafiz Saeed should be handed over to the court."

Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi, members of the Cabinet Committee on Security as well as opposition leaders L.K. Advani and Sushma Swaraj have been invited for Zardari's lunch with Manmohan Singh on Sunday.

According to sources, Zardari's 47-member delegation would include his son Bilawal, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

The two sides are expected to discuss progress in trade ties and the way forward on Kashmir.

The focus will be on constructive engagement and promotion of regional peace.

Zardari had last visited the Sufi shrine with his late wife Benazir in 2005. (ANI)