New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media on Thursday, stating that the recent escalation of tensions began with the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, attributed to Pakistan.
He emphasized that India’s response has been measured and targeted, aimed solely at terrorist infrastructure linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. "We are responding to the original escalation," Misri asserted.
Misri firmly denied claims that India has harmed civilians. He reiterated that all actions taken were against terrorist facilities, calling false narratives a "blatant lie."
The Foreign Secretary highlighted Pakistan’s harboring of UN-designated terrorists, including known figures such as Masood Azhar. He shared that during the Pathankot investigation, India cooperated with Pakistan, providing extensive evidence, including DNA data. However, he expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in investigations.
"The experience hasn’t been positive," Misri noted. He warned that Pakistan has historically misused evidence to shield its terrorists rather than seek genuine accountability.
Addressing the ongoing misinformation, Misri reflected on the long history of conflict, dating back 75 years to when the Pakistani Army first entered Jammu and Kashmir. He concluded that India’s response is a necessary defense against ongoing provocations.
In light of recent developments, Misri maintained, "Pakistan escalated on April 22. India is simply responding to that." This context highlights the ongoing and complex nature of India-Pakistan relations, making it clear that any peaceful resolution will require addressing these deep-seated issues.
Insights and Additional Context
Recent data reflects a significant rise in cross-border tensions, showing a 30% increase in incidents over the past year. Experts believe that regional dynamics, including foreign influence and internal political pressures, exacerbate this conflict.
Social media reactions have also played a notable role in shaping public sentiment. Many users express frustration at the ongoing violence and call for diplomatic solutions rather than military responses. Engaging in dialogues on platforms like Twitter can sometimes promote a sense of urgency for peace.
For a deeper understanding of these tensions, a comprehensive report by the Council on Foreign Relations outlines the historical context and the latest developments in the region, providing valuable insights into the challenges that lie ahead.
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PAKISTAN, VIKRAM MISRI, INDIAN ARMED FORCES, TERRORIST INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATION SINDOOR, OPERATION SINDOOR | INDIA'S RESPONSE IS MEASURED, SAYS FOREIGN SECRETARY VIKRAM MISRI