"Release of terrorist Lakhvi is not good news for the world"

MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted: "Release of terrorist Lakhvi is not good news for the world. We express our solidarity with u - France to India."

India said it was disappointed by the release of 26/11 Mumbai attack plotter Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi who has walked free from a jail in Pakistan after the Lahore High Court ruled that his detention was illegal.

"We are disappointed," said Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

"We want friendship with Pakistan but what happened with Lakhvi issue is disappointing and shatters hope," Singh said. 

Reports said Lakhvi walked free on Thursday night and was moved to an unknown destination. No official statement has been issued by Pakistan foreign office.

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 Lahore High Court  declared the detention of 26/11 Mumbai attack plotter Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in a Pakistan jail as illegal. 

Reports said the court asked him to pay a surety bond for his release.

Pakistan had assured India that  they would ensure that Lakhvi  stays in jail.

The Islamabad High Court too acquitted Lakhvi earlier evoking strong protests from India.

The court said there is no such evidence against Lakhvi to keep him in jail.

However, after India took up the matter at the highest level, the Punjab state government of Pakistan slapped fresh charges on Lakhvi which are supposed to keep him in detention for some more time.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks were twelve coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai by members of 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.