Terror masterminds roam free in Pakistan, says Sushma Swaraj at UNGA

Referring to globally designated terrorist and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafeez Saeed in her statement, she made a hard-hitting address at the UNGA, saying terrorism is bred in the south Asian nation.

The Mumbai attacks, which drew widespread global condemnation, began on Nov 26, 2008 and lasted until Saturday, Nov 29, 2008, killing 164 people and wounding at least 308. 

"The demon named terrorism has touched many nations today," Swaraj said.

She further said: "In our case, terrorism is bred not in some faraway land, but across our border. Our neighbour’s expertise is not restricted to spawning grounds for terrorism; it is also an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity. "

"The presence of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan was a proof of it," she said.

"Pakistan always said they are a friend of the US. But they kept Osama in their own territory," she said.

"26/11 mastermind is still present in Pakistan. It is satisfactory that the world knows the real face of Pakistan today," she said.

The External Affairs Minister said it is a lie that India is accused of 'sabotaging' the process of talks.

"We are accused of sabotaging the process of talks. This is a complete lie. We believe that talks are only rational means to resolve the most complex of disputes. Talks with Pakistan have begun many times. If they stopped, it was only because of their behavior," she said.

She even referred to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recently sent letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi where the former urged the resumption of bilateral talks between the two nations.

Swaraj was earlier scheduled to meet Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the UNGA.

However, India canceled the meeting after three Jammu and Kashmir cops were killed by terrorists this month. 

Attacking Pakistan, Swaraj said the neighbouring nation 'glorifies' killers.

She said: "Who can be a greater transgressor of human rights than a terrorist? Those who take innocent human lives in pursuit of war by other means are defenders of inhuman behavior, not of human rights. Pakistan glorifies killers; it refuses to see the blood of innocents." 

Swaraj said false accusations have become a part of Pakistan's standard rhetoric.

"Last year, Pakistan’s representative, using right to reply, displayed some photographs as “proof” of “human rights violations” by India. The photographs turned out to be from another country. Similar false accusations have become part of its standard rhetoric," she said.

Swaraj said the United Nations should accept that it needs 'fundamental reforms'.

"The United Nations must accept that it needs fundamental reform. Reform cannot be cosmetic. We need change the institution’s head and heart to make both compatible to contemporary reality. Reform must begin today; tomorrow could be too late," Swaraj said.