Lakhvi's release from Adiala a mistake by Pakistan: US envoy

US ambassador to India says perpetrators of Mumbai attacks must be brought to justice

NEW DEHLI: US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has termed the release of alleged Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi from Adiala jail a mistake by Pakistan.

"The release of Lakhvi is a mistake," Verma said in an interview with CNN-IBN on Saturday.

"We have shared our concern about this issue. We have raised it with the Pakistani government and we have been very clear that the perpetrators of those in the attacks of Mumbai have to be brought to justice," the US ambassador to India said.

Read: Lakhvi freed from Adiala Jail

Verma said the terrorism that Pakistan faces is a challenge to all of us and the aid that goes to Pakistan is to support democratic reforms and civic society in the country.

"It also provides them the tools to combat this dangerous insurgency. But we also have to communicate our differences when we have them crack down on safe havens. [President Barack Obama] has been very impelling on that and to crack down on the perpetrators and to hold them accountable will continue to erase them," Verma said.

On April 13, State Department Acting Spokesperson Jeff Rathke said Pakistan has pledged its cooperation in bringing the perpetrators, financiers, and sponsors of the Mumbai terrorist attacks to justice.

Read: US expresses 'grave concern' over Lakhvi's release

"We urge Pakistan to follow through on that commitment to ensure justice for the 166 innocent people, including six Americans, who lost their lives,” Rathke added.