India today described the release of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi from a Pakistani jail as an "insult" to the 26/11 victims and asked the international community to take note of Islamabad's double standards.
"This is an insult to the victims of 26/11 terror attack. Global community must take note of Pakistan's double standards in dealing with terrorism," a senior Home Ministry official said.
Earlier, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, on the sidelines of an event in Lucknow said, "India wants talks with Pakistan but the present development (release of Lakhvi) is unfortunate and disappointing."
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External Affairs Ministry has yesterday made it clear that it will raise the issue with Pakistan, saying the release of the UN-designated terrorist has "eroded" the value of assurances repeatedly conveyed to it by Pakistan on cross- border terrorism.
Fifty five-year-old Lakhvi, who guided 10 LeT gunmen from a control room in Pakistan during 26/11, walked free after being under detention for six years, a day after a Pakistani court ordered his release.
Meanwhile, according to an assessment prepared by the security agencies, Lakhvi's release poses serious threat to India and the country may have to brace for a spurt in terror acts and a major terror strike cannot be ruled out at this stage.
Official sources said for the last three months, a section of Pakistani establishment was trying every trick in the book to get Lakhvi out as the Lashkar-e-Taiba cadres need his expertise.
The assessment would be shared with country's top leadership to decide the future course of action on the issue.
