Pervez Musharraf says he's the "biggest supporter" of Lashkar-e-Taiba
Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf has admitted to being the "biggest supporter" of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its founder Hafiz Saeed. Musharraf said he supports the LeT's role in "suppressing" the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). His statement comes days after Saeed's release from house arrest on the orders of the Lahore High Court.
Hafiz Saeed released after ten months' house arrest
On 22nd November, a Pakistani court ordered 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's release from house arrest after the government failed to submit any evidence against him. This comes even as the government expressed fears about sanctions from the international community if the JuD chief is released. Saeed was detained in January under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. His house arrest was extended at least twice.
What Musharraf said
"I am the biggest supporter of LeT and I know they like me and JuD also likes me," Musharraf told Pakistan's ARY news channel. "They (LeT) are the biggest force. India got them declared as terrorists after partnering with the US. Yes, they (LeT) are involved in Kashmir but in Kashmir, it is between us and India," he added.
Musharraf govt. had banned LeT in 2002
It's noteworthy that the Musharraf government banned the LeT in 2002. When asked about this, Musharraf said "different circumstances" prompted him to ban the outfit without elaborating further. Musharraf is currently in self-exile in Dubai and recently announced a 'grand alliance' of 23 political parties. Musharraf has now said he's in favor of "action" in J&K and "suppressing [the] Indian Army."
