May 3: Union home minister P. Chidambaram said Monday that Ajmal Kasab’s conviction for the 26/11 terror attack was “a clear message to Pakistan that it should not export terror to India”. He added: “If they (Pakistan) do, and if the terrorists are apprehended, we will bring them to justice and give them exemplary punishment.”
Expressing happiness over the speedy trial, Mr Chidambaram said: “I am satisfied that within a year we have been able to bring a verdict of conviction in perhaps a very complex trial. (It) underlines the fact that India is a country governed by the rule of law.”
Reacting to the acquittal of two alleged local accomplices in the Mumbai attack, Mr Chidambaram said: “The court has convicted certain accused. It also acquitted two accused. That shows the independence, fearlessness and integrity of the court.”
He said that “despite criticism from certain quarters”, Kasab has undergone an “open trial” and given every opportunity to defend himself. The home minister complimented the investigating agencies and the prosecution for marshalling the evidence and proving beyond reasonable doubt that Kasab and his associates were guilty of the horrific crimes with which they were charged before the court.