Israel says Lakhvi release setback for war against terror

Following the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi on Friday, Israel Ambassador in India Daniel Carmon here commented: "Israel is surprised and disappointed by the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of the 26/11/08 Mumbai attacks in which as part of the horrific attack also Israeli nationals and a Jewish Center - the Nariman House - were targeted."

"This release is a setback for the international efforts in the war against terror in which India and Israel are close partners."

Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi has walked free from a jail in Pakistan two days ago after the Lahore High Court ruled that his detention was illegal.

Reports said he walked free on Thursday night and was moved to an unknown destination.

Earlier, responding to the Lahore High Court order setting aside the detention of Zakirur Rehman Lakhvi, India said if not prosecuted effectively such a known terrorist will be a threat to India and the world.

"Our concerns on this issue have been made known to the Government of Pakistan in the past. These shall be reiterated. The fact is that known terrorists not being effectively prosecuted constitutes a real security threat for India and the world," said a Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson on Thursday.

"This also erodes the value of assurances repeatedly conveyed to us with regard to cross border terrorism," he said.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks were twelve coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai by members of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

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