New Delhi, India (July 16, 2014): The Indian High Commission in Pakistan has denied any involvement in 2 July meeting between Indian Journalist Ved Parkash Vaidik and Jamat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed. The meeting has brought storm into political circles as Journalist Vaidik is considered close to Hinduta body Rashtiriya Swayamsewak Sangh, RSS, that is regarded as ideological fountain-head of India’s ruling party BJP.
India regards Hafiz Saeed as “mastermind” of 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The Indian High Commission in its report has said that it had no information about the meeting and that it was a personal meeting.
Notably the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had sought a report over the issue from Indian High Commission.
The interview between Saeed and Vaidik has been labelled a track 2 meet, implying that it was a non-governmental, informal and unofficial meeting.
Vaidik defended his meeting with Saeed saying he met him as a journalist. “I had a meeting for an hour and told him that Narendra Modi should not be feared. Modi is a good man and he has throughout his campaign or later said anything against Islam. He said he would welcome Modi. I am small man. I have met him as a journalist,” Ved Parkash Vaidek reportedly said.