Palestine's Pak envoy photographed with 26/11-mastermind Hafiz Saeed, India fumes
India has slammed Palestine after its ambassador to Pakistan was photographed alongside 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed at a political rally in Rawalpindi. An MEA spokesperson revealed that New Delhi intends on "strongly taking up the matter" with the Palestinian ambassador in New Delhi. This comes days after India voted against America's decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem at the UN. Here's more.
What's the story behind the photograph?
In the pictures circulated on social media, Waleed Abu Ali, the Palestinian ambassador to Pakistan shared dais with Saeed.The duo was photographed at a rally organized by the Difah-e-Pakistan Council, an umbrella-group consisting of over 40 religious and extremist groups in Rawalpindi.
Who is Hafiz Saeed?
Hafiz Saeed is the chief of Pakistan-based terrorist organization LeT which has been banned in the US, UK, EU, Russia and Australia. Since Pakistan banned LeT, he has continued his activities under the garb of its political-wing, Jamaat-ud-Dawa. He has masterminded multiple strikes on India, including the 26/11 attacks and 2001 Parliament attack. Saeed is on the Indian National Investigation Agency's most-wanted list.
How does India view Palestine's actions?
Palestine has consistently voted against India on the Kashmir dispute in the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The photograph is akin to a slap on India's face, especially since it follows India risking its close ties with Israel/USA to back Palestine at UNGA.
