‘Families of 166 victims still await closure’: India asks Pakistan to expedite trial in 26/11 Mumbai attacks case

• The MEA said that India will continue to make every effort to seek justice for families of ‘victims and martyrs’ of 26/11 Mumbai attacks

• 26/11 attack was planned, executed and carried out from Pakistani territory, said the MEA

• The attack resulted in the deaths of citizens of India and 14 other countries

New Delhi: On the 13th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India on Friday summoned a senior diplomat of the Pakistani High Commission and demanded a speedy trial in the case. 

In a note verbale given to the diplomat, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also urged Pakistan to abide by its commitment not to allow terrorism against India from territories under its control.

“A note verbale reiterating India’s call for an expeditious trial in the Mumbai terror attacks case, and calling on the Government of Pakistan to abide by its commitment to not allow territories under its control for terrorism against India was handed over to him,” said the MEA.

In a statement, it added: “It is a matter of deep anguish that even after 13 years of this heinous terror attack, the families of 166 victims from 15 countries across the globe still await closure, with Pakistan showing little sincerity in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

The MEA asserted that the terrorist attack was planned, executed and carried out from Pakistani territory.

“We once again call on the government of Pakistan to give up double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice,” it said.

“This is not just a matter of Pakistan’s accountability to the families of the innocent victims who fell to terrorists, but also an international obligation,” the MEA said.

The Indian government further pledged to seek justice for the families of the “victims and martyrs” of the attack.

“On the 13th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, the government and people of India somberly remember the victims of this dastardly attack and the valiant security personnel who laid down their lives to protect ours,” the MEA said.

During a 60-hour siege in Mumbai in November 2008, 166 people were killed, including 18 security personnel, and many other people were injured by 10 Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists from Pakistan.

The attack resulted in the deaths of citizens of India and 14 other countries.

“Indian Missions in these countries are organising memorial events remembering the victims, both national and foreign, reminding the world of the continuing global threat of terrorism,” the MEA said.

In addition to the host governments’ top officials, family members of deceased victims and survivors will attend these solemn events, it added.