Pakistan has failed on its promiseto bring to justice all people — masterminds, controllers and handlers involved in attack- Chidambaram- Nov 27, 2010

Pakistan has failed on its promise: Chidambaram

TNN, Nov 27, 2010, 06.10am IST


Tags:Union home minister P Chidambaram|Pakistan promise|26/11 terror attacks
MUMBAI: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Friday that Pakistan had failed on its promise to bring to justice all people — masterminds, controllers and handlers — involved in the 26/11 terror attacks, even after two years.

"We had given a list of seven people who were to be handed over to us and asked Pakistan to provide their voice samples, but they have not. I am cautioning the people of India about this neighbor who has failed on its promise ," Chidambaram said.

Pakistan came in for heavy criticism as the Union home minister spoke at a function to felicitate family members of 26/11 hero and Ashok Chakra awardee Tukaram Ombale at Magathane on Friday morning. Earlier, Chidambaram handed over the keys of a Mahanagar Gas CNG-filling station to the slain officer's family.
Ombale, an assistant sub-inspector of police, had showed exemplary courage and had helped nab Kasab despite being shot repeatedly by the Pakistani terrorist on November 26, 2008.

Paying rich tributes to Ombale, the minister said that immediately after the attacks, police officers reconstructed the events that led to Ombale's death. "There were two gun-totting terrorists in the car. One was at the wheel and the other was Ajmal Kasab. When the car was blocked, an unarmed Ombale led a police team towards the car. He held the barrel of Kasab's gun and took the bullets into his chest. But he did not let go of the machine gun. That is how the others could get hold of Kasab . It was because of Ombale that we could catch Kasab alive. If Kasab had died, there would not have been a conclusive link that the terror attacks were mounted from Pakistani soil," he said.

India, he said, wanted peace in South Asia and wanted neighboring countries to grow at an equal rate and become prosperous.

"But the government of Pakistan should fulfill its promises. We have learnt a lesson, that while we must trust our neighbor, we must always be on guard," he said.

Chidambaram admitted that a lot had to be done to boost the morale of the country's police force. "The police need decent housing, good pay and clothing. If we neglect these basic needs, how can we expect them to be an efficient force?" he asked.

He said there were three lakh vacancies in the constabulary across the country. "Maharashtra should the lead the way. I know the state has initiated reforms, but a lot more has to be done," he said.

Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan paid glowing tributes to Ombale, who hailed from his district, Satara.

"I am proud of the 18 officers who lost their lives fighting the terror attacks . They all deserve the highest honor ," the chief minister said.