The first of seven groups made up of members from different political parties is leaving for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today. Their job is to explain India’s position on terrorism after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.
The Indian government wants these groups to show a united front against cross-border terrorism. These delegations will carry evidence and reports about Pakistan’s support for terrorism in India to convince other countries.
Read More: T-72 Thunder: How India’s Tanks Crushed Pakistan’s Attack in Operation Sindoor
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told three of these groups on Monday that India wants peace but will not accept terror attacks and will respond strongly as part of its “new normal.”
The group going to the UAE is led by Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde and will also visit Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone. It includes MPs from BJP, BJD, IUML, and a former ambassador.
Misri mentioned Pakistan’s offer for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack but said Pakistan has previously ignored evidence when India shared facts after other attacks like the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 Pathankot attack.
Shrikant Shinde said, “We want to inform the countries we visit about India’s fight against terrorism and Pakistan’s role in it. India loves peace but will fight back if attacked. While India focuses on economic growth, Pakistan supports terrorism.”
Misri told the members that Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, not military bases or civilians.
Former BJP MP SS Ahluwalia said, “Pakistan is spreading lies worldwide. It is our duty to explain the truth to other countries through meetings with politicians, business people, and experts. Our fight is against terrorists, not ordinary citizens.”
There are 59 members in seven groups, including 31 leaders from the ruling NDA and 20 from other parties, helped by former diplomats.
They will meet government officials, lawmakers, think tanks, and media in the countries they visit.
Two more groups are leaving tomorrow. One led by DMK’s Kanimozhi will visit European countries like Russia and Spain. Another led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha will visit Southeast Asian countries like Japan and Singapore.
Also Read:Â Jyoti Malhotra Under NIA Scanner: What Do Her Pakistan and China Trips Really Hide?
Sanjay Jha said, “We will tell world leaders that India has had enough. Pakistan acts like a thief who is asked to investigate his own crime but never acts.”
The rest of the groups will leave for other countries in the coming days.
