India on Tuesday hit out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his statement on Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed by a suicide bomber, and said Pakistan should “stop misleading the international community and take credible and visible action against the perpetrators” of the attack.
“Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime,” a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The government also rejected Imran Khan’s “offer” to investigate the matter “if India provides proof”, calling it a “lame excuse”.
In a video message, Pakistan PM had said he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence”, but warned against any "revenge" retaliatory action.
"If you have any actionable intelligence that a Pakistani is involved. Give it to us. I guarantee you we will take action - not because we are under pressure, but because they are acting as enemies of Pakistan," he said.
"Starting a war is in our hands, it is easy. But ending a war, that is not in our hands and no one knows what will happen.” Khan said.
The MEA statement said the fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action.
Below is the full text of the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry:
- 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. Prime Minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn this heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families.
- Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime. It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action.
- The Prime Minister of Pakistan has offered to investigate the matter if India provides proof. This is a lame excuse. In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, the 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.
- The Prime Minister has referred to a "Naya Pakistan” with new thinking. In this "Naya Pakistan”, Ministers of the current Government publicly share platforms with terrorists like Hafeez Saeed who have been prescribed by the United Nations.
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister has called for dialogue and expressed his readiness to talk about terrorism. India has repeatedly stated that it is ready to engage in a comprehensive bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.
- Pakistan claims to be the greatest victim of terrorism. This is far from the truth. The international community is well acquainted with the reality that Pakistan is the nerve centre of terrorism.
- It is regrettable that the Pakistani Prime Minister has insinuated that India’s response to the terrorist attack is determined by the forthcoming General Election. India rejects this false allegation. India’s democracy is a model for the world which Pakistan would never understand. We demand Pakistan to 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.
