"In the release of Lakhvi, Pakistan has not fought the war on terror sincerely. The handlers of Mumbai terror attacks were never tried in court and thus they have been released," Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
Asked whether Lakhvi's release is a setback to Indian government, she said, "Much more than being a setback to the government, I would think that Pakistan's intention on proving that it is very clear on tackling terror has now come out clearly that they are not very keen on establishing their credentials on fighting terror."
She said however much Pakistan would claim on the speed, duration and progress of the trial are all matters on which the Indian government has repeatedly reminded Pakistan that they have to "walk the talk".
"And they haven't done (so). And today they have gone to this extreme...," she said.
Asked if the government would take up the issue with Pakistan, she said, "I am sure something of the kind will happen, I will certainly seek information from the Home Minister and Defence Minister."
BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said it was only due to the efforts of the government that Lakhvi was forced to be put behind bars after several attempts by Pakistan to get him a reprieve from court.
"Such decisions affect mutual relations between the two countries," he said, adding that "India wants talks with Pakistan but the present development (release of Lakhvi) is unfortunate and disappointing".
He said India is watching Pakistan's lack of sincerity in bringing to justice the mastermind of 26/11 attacks and it has repeatedly failed to create a conducive environment for bilateral talks. "India will only look for results and we would expose Pakistan's soft approach towards terrorists and also people who are exporting terror to India," he said.
The Lahore High Court ordered suspending the detention of 55-year-old Lakhvi under the Maintenance of Public Order after the Pakistan government failed to present sensitive records against him in the court.
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