BJP opposes any role for Pakistan in Samjhauta probe

New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) The BJP today strongly disapproved the Pakistan National Assembly's resolution seeking a role in the ongoing probe in the Samjhauta Express bomb blasts where many of the victims were citizens of Pakistan.

The party said it was against India allowing Pakistan any role in the investigations without that country coming out clean on its January 2004 commitment of not allowing its territory to be used by terrorist groups.

Asking visiting Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri to hand over fugitives like Dawood Ibrahim wanted in 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai, BJP Spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said if Pakistan meant its 2004 statement to be serious business, it should hand over the wanted fugitives to the Indian authorities to face justice.

The Pakistan Assembly's resolution seeking a role in the Samjhauta probe had confirmed India's 'worst fears' that Pakistan wanted to be part of the 'Joint Mechanism' without adhering to its promises, Mr Prasad added.

The BJP, he said, was not against providing information to Pakistan as many of its citizens were victims of the blasts, but that country can't get any role in the investigations. It would only mean abuse of the 'Joint Mechanism' by a country which had scant regard for containing terror in its territory, he asserted.

About responsible newspapers in Pakistan insinuating the role of nationalist organisations like Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal and VHP behind the Samjhauta blasts, Mr Prasad said it was a 'baseless ridiculous and laughable' assumption. Since the allegations have figured in responsible newspapers, it would be better for Indian government to clarify on the issue without using the opportunity to win the 'vote bank', he said.

UNI