Shinde bets on Obama to expedite 26/11 trial

Concerned over the tardy progress of the 26/11 Mumbai attack trial in Pakistan,Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said India is hopeful of an expeditious trial and action against LeT founder Hafiz Saeed after the US grilled Islamabad on the issue.

On Wednesday,US President Barack Obama asked Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to explain the delay in the 26/11 attack trail and action against terror masterminds such as Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. Commenting on the development,Shinde said,We are hopeful that President Barack Obamas tough talk to Nawaz Sharif will have impact on the ground. It will help in expediting the trial and proceed against Hafiz Sayeed, he said. Sharif is reported to have faced uncomfortable questions from Obama,who also raised the issue of cross-border terrorism,particularly the activities of JuD led by Hafiz Saeed.

India has also protested with Pakistan over the slow progress of the trial. A second judicial commission recently made a visit to India and recorded the statement of four people,including the magistrate who recorded the statement of lone survivor of the Mumbai attackers,Ajmal Kasab. Besides David Coleman Headley,the NIA has named Saeed,Lakhvi and two Pakistans ISI officials in their chargesheet.