Hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan assured India that action would be taken against the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack if there is enough evidence, New Delhi hit back saying disclaiming any link with a terrorist attack is an oft-repeated excuse by the neighbouring country.
“We are not surprised that the prime minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism. The prime minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn this heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families,” said the External Affairs Ministry in a statement.
Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by that country, the MEA said and added that the Pakistan prime minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), as well as by the terrorist who perpetrated the attack.
Also read
- J&K: Security forces kill terrorist in encounter in Pulwama
- Modi, Shah pays tribute to 'valorous heroes' of Pulwama on attack's 4th anniversary
- No proof of India's surgical strike against Pakistan: Digvijay Singh
- IED recovered in Pulwama, police say 'major tragedy averted'
- India designates as terrorist Pakistani national involved in Pulwama attack
Forty jawans were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus on February 14. The JeM claimed responsibility.
“It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. This should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action,” the MEA said.
Earlier Imran Khan had assured India that action would be taken against the perpetrators of the attack if New Delhi shared "actionable intelligence". The MEA, however, called it a lame excuse.
“This is a lame excuse. In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress. Promises of "guaranteed action” ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan,” it said.
New Delhi also alleged that in Imran Khan's "Naya Pakistan", ministers are sharing platforms with terrorists like Hafeez Saeed who have been proscribed by the United Nations.
It also trashed Pakistan premier's call for dialogue, saying “India has repeatedly stated that it is ready to engage in a comprehensive bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.”
India rejected Pakistan's claims that it was the biggest victim of terrorism. “The international community is well acquainted with the reality that Pakistan is the nerve center of terrorism.”
New Delhi also dismissed Imran Khan's insinuation that India’s response to the terrorist attack is determined by the forthcoming general elections. "India’s democracy is a model for the world which Pakistan would never understand. We demand Pakistan stop misleading the international community and take credible and visible action against the perpetrators of Pulwama terrorist attack and other terrorists and terror groups operating from areas under their control," the MEA said in its statement.
