Pak raising Azhar bounty a gimmick, says India

NEW DELHI: Indian govt described as "gimmicks and hoodwinking" Pakistan's announcement on increasing the existing PKR 50 lakh (Pakistani rupee) bounty on UN-proscribed Jaish-e-Muhammed terrorist Masood Azhar to PKR 70 lakh.Ministry of external affairs called upon Pakistan to take tangible action against terrorism, instead of making phony announcements."We have seen many times that Pakistan has done such gimmicks. For a state sponsor of terror to make a phony announcement, we all know how hollow it is," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.Azhar continues to be listed in the country's Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) "Red Book" of most-wanted terrorists, officials said Monday in Islamabad.Azhar, founder and chief of JeM, is wanted in India in connection with several terror cases, including the 2001 Parliament attack. He was also among the 20 fugitives India sought from Pakistan, a demand it renewed after 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.