By IANS
New Delhi : The Australian government's move to clear Muhammad Haneef of all charges of supporting terrorism is seen as a "diplomatic success" by India whose officials in New Delhi and Canberra have been battling for "fair and just treatment" of the Bangalore doctor.
"It's a diplomatic success. We wanted to ensure that Haneef got justice and was acquitted of terror charges if no evidence was found against him," a senior official told IANS, as news came in that charges against the doctor had been dropped.
"We did all we could. The Indian High Commission sought consular access and assisted the family in getting legal assistance. At every stage, we expressed concerns over the treatment of Haneef and asked that he be treated justly and fairly," said the official, while not wishing to be named.
Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed captured the mood aptly.
"We are happy that an Indian citizen has been absolved of charges of supporting terrorism. The government has been extending all possible support to him," Ahamed told IANS.
India will now request the Australian government to grant Haneef a "regular visa", said Ahamed.
In fact, it was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who defined the Indian response towards the initial disclosure about the alleged involvement of India-born Muslims in the foiled June 30 British bombings.
His confession that he had a "sleepless night" watching the trauma of families of the suspects on TV was a clear indication that New Delhi wanted the cases to be tried strictly on their merits.
In Haneef's case, arrested July 2 in Brisbane, the government kept a close watch on the situation, but got serious only after his visa was revoked at the last moment July 16. Two days later, he was detained in solitary confinement in Brisbane on what looked like frivolous grounds.
After a fortnight, he was only charged with "recklessly" supporting terrorism for leaving the SIM card of his mobile with his Britain-based cousin Sabeel before moving to Australia.
South Block was quick to react, putting Australian authorities on notice with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerhee telling his counterpart Alexander Downer that all efforts should be made to ensure "fair and just treatment" for Haneef.
Mukherjee also conveyed to Downer the "concern of the Indian government and people" on the issue.
The telephonic conversation between Mukherjee and Downer came a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that Australia should extend all facilities and rights within its laws to Haneef.
"They (Australia) ought to extend all the facilities within the law and the rights he is entitled to," Singh said. The government conveyed its concerns to both the Australian High Commission here and in Canberra.
The Indian High Commission in Canberra also assisted the family of Haneef in arranging legal assistance for him.
On July 17, Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy was summoned by the external affairs ministry and was reminded again that New Delhi expected Canberra to ensure just treatment of Haneef while in detention.
The two countries also agreed to conclude a mutual legal assistance treaty, which is considered a prelude to an extradition treaty.