New Delhi: In a remarkable display of cooperation between India and the United States, the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana has raised several questions about Pakistan’s peculiar concerns on the issue.
On the other hand, the extradition of Rana, a Pakistan-based doctor, who is now a Canadian national, has been hailed as a landmark case that showcases the collaborative efforts of India and the US in combating terrorism.
#TahawwurRana’s Extradition: Why Is Pakistan Worried? @isaurabhshukla https://t.co/0qlAjbmkDh pic.twitter.com/bh7AacaYUa
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Pakistan is perturbed as the US processes Rana’s extradition
The Pakistan Embassy in the United States has recently communicated with its consulate in Los Angeles, urging them to closely monitor the extradition proceedings of Tahawwur Hussain Rana. This communication comes in the wake of Rana’s arrest in the US on the extradition request of India for his alleged involvement in the devastating 2008 Mumbai attacks, where over 160 lives were tragically lost, including six Americans. The arrest has been followed by a series of legal actions, culminating in a US court’s approval of Rana’s extradition.
The move has understandably sparked concerns within Pakistan. The specifics of these concerns remain undisclosed, but experts speculate that Rana’s extradition could potentially shed light on cross-border connections, the involvement of prominent personalities and dignitaries, and the intricate web of terrorism networks that extend beyond the borders of Pakistan.
Significance of the Extradition: US-India Cooperation Strengthened
While speaking about the significance of Rana’s extradition, Saurabh Shukla, Editor-in-Chief, Newsmobile, emphasized the exceptional nature of Rana’s extradition due to his status as a third-country national. Shukla noted that extraditing individuals who hold citizenship in a country other than the requesting nation is an extremely challenging feat.
In Rana’s case, the US government not only acknowledged his Canadian nationality but also underscored his significant role as a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. This sends a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated, regardless of an individual’s citizenship or location.
“Extradition for a third country national is extremely difficult, while Rana is a Canadian national the U.S. government also impressed upon the court his involvement in terrorism as a key conspirator for 26/11 attacks,” he said while participating in a discussion with Arnab Goswami.
“The extradition demonstrates an unprecedented India-U.S. cooperation which has got a new momentum following PM Modi’s state visit to Washington. The Biden administration was instrumental in ensuring that Rana’s pleas were rejected, this will be a landmark case that will demonstrate that India and the US will cooperate to get terrorists to justice,” he further added.