Issue 410 March 1, 2019
The dastardly attack in Pulwama District of Jammu & Kashmir in India on February 14, 2019 has shocked the world with most leaders condemning this extreme act of terrorism.
More than 40 soldiers of the Central Reserve Police were killed, many others injured in this incident, responsibility for which has been claimed by Jaish e-Muhammed (JeM), a terrorist organisation that is guilty of many acts of terrorism in the past.
India’s Resolve
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a ‘jaw-breaking response.’
“The event will keep ‘inspiring us relentlessly to uproot the very base of terrorism’. It will fortify our resolve. We shall have to take up this challenge facing our country, forgetting all barriers of casteism, communalism, regionalism and other difference, so that, our steps against terror are firmer, stronger and more decisive” he said.
How long can India continue to a victim of terrorists and extremists and how long can Pakistan continue to ask for ‘real evidence’ of the involvement of terrorist groups bred on its soil. How long can the world community watch in silence?
Strong condemnation
The New Zealand Parliament unanimously passed a motion on Thursday, February 21, 2019
moved by Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
‘‘I move the motion that this House condemns February 14 act of terrorism on Indian CRPF leading to large loss of life. We express solidarity with the Government of India at this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected,’’ he said.
While such expression of solidarity by world leaders is reassuring, justice should be served with the perpetrators brought before courts and stand trial for their crime.
The Economist quoted Indian officials as saying that they are scarcely the only ones to complain of Pakistani perfidy. Indeed, some Pakistanis join them in questioning the sincerity of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“Would you care to order an inquiry independent of how we respond to Delhi about how Jaish continues to recruit and train people for jihad, and runs camps?” tweeted Ayesha Siddiqa, a London-based scholar.
