UPA govt had released Pathankot attack handler as a 'goodwill gesture' in 2010

In a bid to improve ties with Pakistan, the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government in 2010 had released alleged Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terrorist Shahid Latif, handler of the terrorist group that attacked Pathankot air base on 2 January, said reports.

If the reports are to be believed, the latest revelation are set to embarrass the Congress as a report in Times of India claimed that Latif, who was serving term in Indian jails on terrorism charges, was released on 28 May, 2010 as a "goodwill gesture".

Reportedly, 24 other militants who belonged to JeM, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen were also released and sent to Pakistan.

According to the TOI, Pakistan had said that the releases will carve a way of conducive atmosphere for the two nations to settle their long-standing differences.

Latif is learnt to have a close relationship with Masood Azhar, who is the alleged Pathankot terror attack mastermind.

Meanwhile, Interpol has issued a Red Corner notice against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar and his brother Md Rauf.

Read Here: Pathankot attack: Interpol issues Red corner notice against JeM's Masood Azhar