India to press for Dawood extradition

India would convey its concerns over terrorism to Pak during the upcoming Home Secy-level talks on May 30.

India's concern over the spurt in terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir and the fate of hundreds of prisoners languishing in each other's countries would come up for discussion during Home Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan next week.

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Home Secretary VK Duggal would hold two-day talks with his Pakistani counterpart Syed Kamal Shah beginning May 30 under the third round of the Composite Dialogue process.

Duggal, who will be leading a nine-member delegation, said in New Delhi on Friday, that India would convey its concerns over terrorism to Pakistan.

Various issues relating to terrorist activities and the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and territories under its control will figure during the parleys.

India was also expected to press for extradition of wanted persons like fugitive Dawood Ibrahim.

Pakistan continues to deny the presence of Dawood and his gang members in the country.

Shah said about 400 Indian prisoners were currently in Pakistani jails.

However, Indian officials here estimate that 505 Indian fishermen and 152 other category civilian prisoners were languishing in Pakistani jails and the focus of the talks would be to get them released.

Ahead of the talks, both sides have decided to release some fishermen. India is releasing 59 Pakistani fishermen in its custody while Pakistan announced plans to release 71 Indian fishermen on May 30.

Both sides were expected to exchange prisoners through Wagah border.

Shah said the two sides would also discuss cooperation in combating terrorism, human and drug trafficking and other organised crimes.