US concerned over Hafiz Saeed's free movement in Pakistan

The US has expressed concern over the free movement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan despite his being designated as a terrorist by the UN.

"As we've said from this podium many times, we remain concerned about his activities," Elizabeth Trudeau, Director in the US State Department press office, said at the daily press briefing on Thursday.

She was responding to a question on Saeed moving around freely in Pakistan and giving interviews.

Saeed reportedly said the US was giving India a free hand by not condemning the ongoing violence in Kashmir.

At least 38 people have died in large-scale violence in Kashmir following the killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani, 22, in a gunfight on July 8.

Trudeau pointed out that Saeed has been listed by the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee and is also on the US rewards for Justice Program.

"Obviously we disagree with his premise (Saeed's statement on US position on India), but we've also been very clear with the government of Pakistan that they must target and root out these extremist groups, all militant groups and Taliban," she stated.

On the current situation in Kashmir, Trudeau reiterated that the US would "encourage all sides to make efforts to finding a peaceful resolution".

"The situation on the ground from what we understand is very complex, it remains fluid," she said.

"In terms of clarity on what's going on, in terms of the protests as well as the security force reaction, we're still trying to get it," she added.