India's Call for Pakistan to Extradite Key Terrorists: A Diplomatic Challenge

India's Diplomatic Plea to Pakistan

Jerusalem: India's Ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, has urged Pakistan to extradite prominent terrorists such as Hafiz Saeed, Sajid Mir, and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, drawing a parallel to the US's extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key figure in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Singh emphasized, "If the US can hand over these individuals, why can't Pakistan do the same? They simply need to surrender Hafiz Saeed, Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir to resolve this issue."

Highlighting the global threat of terrorism, he advocated for the establishment of an international coalition to combat it.

In a recent interview with an Israeli television channel, Singh remarked that India's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan is currently "paused" but not concluded.

He recounted the events leading to India's military response, stating that the operation targeted terrorist factions in Pakistan.

Singh recalled the tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22, where 26 innocent lives were lost due to terrorists who identified victims by their religion before executing them.

He reiterated that India's military actions were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, which prompted retaliatory strikes from Pakistan against Indian military sites.

Singh pointed to a series of terror incidents in India linked to Pakistan, identifying Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba as the primary culprits.

He noted that leaders of Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for the Mumbai attacks, remain at large.

The ambassador insisted that Pakistan must take straightforward actions to foster goodwill and friendship by handing over these terrorists.

Referring to the recent extradition of Rana by the US, Singh stated that Pakistan could follow suit.

When asked if the agreement between the two nations marked the end of the issue for India, Singh clarified that while the ceasefire holds, Operation Sindoor is still on hold, not finished.

India executed targeted strikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7 against terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack.

Following these actions, Pakistan attempted to strike Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, leading to a robust counter-offensive from Indian forces.

An understanding was reached on May 10 to cease hostilities after four days of intense cross-border exchanges.

Singh asserted that the fight against terrorism is ongoing, stating, "We have established a new normal, which is an offensive strategy. We will pursue and eliminate terrorists and their infrastructures wherever they are. Although the ceasefire is currently in place, the battle is far from over."

He described India's strike on Pakistan's Nur Khan base on May 10 as a pivotal moment that instilled fear in Pakistan, prompting their military leadership to seek a ceasefire.

Regarding the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which Pakistan labeled as an "act of war," Singh explained that the treaty's foundational principles of goodwill and friendship have not been honored by Pakistan, which has consistently supported terrorism against India.

He remarked, "The IWT was established in 1960, and while we have allowed water to flow, Pakistan has allowed terror to infiltrate our borders."

Singh expressed the frustration of the Indian populace, stating that Prime Minister Modi's assertion that "blood and water cannot flow together" led to the decision to suspend the IWT.

He emphasized that for the treaty to function, Pakistan must cease its cross-border terrorism.

While the IWT is currently suspended, Singh noted that Operation Sindoor represents India's ongoing war against terrorism.

In response to Pakistan's offer to investigate the Pahalgam attack, Singh dismissed it as a diversion tactic.

He questioned the outcomes of previous attacks, such as those in Mumbai, Pathankot, and Pulwama, highlighting that despite providing extensive evidence, no action has been taken against the perpetrators.

Singh pointed out that Lakhvi, a key planner of the Mumbai attacks, and Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the attacks, remain free, leading to skepticism about Pakistan's intentions.

He reiterated the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism, calling for a coalition among nations like India and Israel that face similar threats.

Concluding his remarks, Singh reaffirmed India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, stating, "We will not accept cross-border terrorism."