Pak terrorists strikes gain pace: India responds to Cross Border Attacks

Official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi addressed the questions related to the meetings between General Munir and top US officials. (Image/PTI)

India has steadily underscored the grave and persistent threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

During the weekly briefing on Thursday, official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi, reiterated these concerns, stating, “Our concern about Pakistan’s support for terrorism and cross-border attacks is well known.” This emphasis comes in the wake of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir’s visit to the United States.

Bagchi addressed the questions related to the meetings between General Munir and top US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, and Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer. The discussions encompassed a range of critical issues, including regional security and defence cooperation.

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General Munir also engaged with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin during his visit. The dialogue between the two leaders focused on recent regional security developments and potential areas for bilateral defence cooperation. Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder, in a statement, highlighted the key points of the meeting, stating, “Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin III hosted Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir at the Pentagon today, where the two officials discussed recent regional security developments and potential areas for bilateral defence cooperation.”

This diplomatic interaction gains significance against the backdrop of escalating tensions and security challenges in the region. India, having experienced the impact of cross-border terrorism, consistently urges the international community to take a strong stance against nations supporting such activities.

Earlier this year at the United Nations General Assembly, India responded to Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, who predictably raised the Kashmir issue in his speech. In the right of reply, Petal Gahlot, the First Secretary of the United Nations for the Second Committee of UNGA, stressed that Pakistan should vacate the occupied areas of India and cease cross-border terrorism.

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Gahlot called on Pakistan to address human rights violations against minorities, stating, “In order for there to be peace in South Asia, the actions that Pakistan needs to take are threefold: first, stop cross-border terrorism and shut down its infrastructure of terrorism immediately. Second, vacate Indian territories under their illegal and forcible occupation. And third, stop the grave and persistent human rights violations against the minorities in Pakistan.”

Furthermore, Gahlot underscored Pakistan’s status as a haven for internationally proscribed terrorist entities, urging concrete and verifiable action against those responsible for the 2011 Mumbai terror attack. “Pakistan has been the home and patron of the largest number of internationally proscribed terrorist entities and individuals in the world. Instead of engaging in technical sophistry, we call upon Pakistan to take credible and verifiable action against the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks, whose victims await justice even after 15 years,” she stated.

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This diplomatic tussle aligns with broader international efforts to combat terrorism. In a joint statement issued after talks between US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two nations strongly condemned cross-border terrorism and the use of terrorist proxies. The statement specifically called on Pakistan “to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks.”

Moreover, the joint statement reiterated the call for concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups, including al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul-Mujahideen. The mention of the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks highlighted the need for bringing those responsible to justice.