India hands over replies to Pakistan

India on Friday handed over its response to the clarifications sought by Pakistan investigating linkages of its nationals to the Mumbai terror attacks in November last year. The replies were submitted to the Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik at the External Affairs Ministry in the evening.

‘Answers comprehensive’

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said the answers were “very comprehensive” and should be sufficient for Pakistan to act decisively against the perpetrators of the terror strikes.

“We have put together answers to 30 questions submitted by Pakistan. It is a very comprehensive document, answering each of the 30 questions,” he told newspersons, after handing over the replies, along with the evidence to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

The Ministry of External Affairs hoped that this step would help bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.

It also expected Islamabad to ensure “credible justice and to credible action against the infrastructure of terrorism in the country.”

Mr. Chidambaram said the replies were backed by documentary proof, CDs and forensic evidence.

India’s response runs into about 500 pages and has nearly 16 annexures.

The material includes DNA profiles and fingerprints of the 10 attackers, photographs from closed circuit television, global positioning system details, and copies of key documents, including transcripts of conversations.