Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 14: Defence and security experts have welcomed the non-bailable warrant issued by a Jammu court against Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack case, saying the order could pave the way for further international legal action, including a possible Interpol Red Notice.
Retired Army officer Captain Anil Gaur said the court's decision to take cognisance of the chargesheet and issue a non-bailable warrant marks a significant legal development. According to him, the next procedural step would involve the Government of India forwarding the warrant through the appropriate channels, after which Interpol could consider issuing a Red Notice seeking Saeed's arrest for extradition proceedings, subject to its own rules and procedures.
At the same time, Gaur expressed doubts about the practical outcome, pointing to Pakistan's long-standing position on the presence of Hafiz Saeed within its territory. He noted that Pakistan has previously denied sheltering individuals designated as terrorists by the United Nations.
He added that the court's action lends legal weight to India's allegations and could strengthen the country's position before the international community regarding cross-border terrorism.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S.P. Vaid also welcomed the development, saying it was important that the legal process moves forward without delay.
Vaid said investigations into terror attacks are aimed at identifying not only those who carry out attacks on the ground but also those alleged to have planned and orchestrated them. Referring to previous terror incidents, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks, he alleged that Hafiz Saeed played a key conspiratorial role in Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked operations.
He said that once legal formalities are completed, India could seek further international action through Interpol, which, if approved under established procedures, could place restrictions on international travel by the accused.
Vaid added that building a documented legal case through courts helps India present evidence before the international community in cases involving alleged cross-border terrorism.
He also said that those who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks deserve justice and that pursuing legal action against individuals accused of masterminding such attacks remains an important part of the judicial process.