The Hindu : MP flaunts links with Lashkar

MP flaunts links with Lashkar

Helps jihadi activists whenever they seek his co-operation

by Nirupama Subramanian | November 16, 2006

ISLAMABAD : A Pakistani parliamentarian has created a kerfuffle with his disclosure in the National Assembly of his membership with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), often linked by India to terrorist attacks on its soil and a banned outfit in this country.

The Post newspaper here reported that Major Tanvir Hussain, who is also the parliamentary secretary of defence, said this during the course of a debate on the bombing of a madrasa in Bajaur that killed 80 people.

The parliamentarian later reiterated to the newspaper that he had been an active member of the LeT, and said he "often addressed congregations organised by the same outfit to deliver speeches doing advocacy for jihad."

"Still member"

"I am still a member of the LeT. I go to its congregations and deliver speeches," he said adding that he helps jihadi activists whenever they asked him for his "co-operation." He did not say what kind of co-operation he extended to them.