United Nations/New Delhi: India tore into Pakistan at the United Nations, terming Islamabad a “rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region”, days after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-linked handlers that has brought bilateral ties to a nadir.
Deputy Permanent Representative of India at the UN, Yojna Patel, speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network in New York, said: “It is unfortunate that one particular delegation has chosen to misuse and undermine this forum to indulge in propaganda and make baseless allegations against India.
“The whole world has heard Pakistan’s defence minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistan’s history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations in a recent television interview.
“This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye.”
Patel was delivering India’s Right of Reply at the hybrid launch event for the ‘Victims of Terrorism Association Network’ (VoTAN) of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism on Monday, when Pakistan’s delegate referred to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a recent interview on Sky News, the Pakistani defence minister Asif had said “Well, we have been doing this dirty work (terrorism) for the United States for about three decades, you know, and West, including Britain”.
Earlier in her address, the Indian diplomat thanked the UN Office of Counterterrorism for convening this important meeting and to express India’s appreciation to Spain and Iraq, the co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, for their leadership in organising this event.
Patel emphasised India’s deep appreciation for “the strong unequivocal support and solidarity extended by leaders and governments across the world in wake of the recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” She said the support is “a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism.”
On the Pahalgam attack, she said: “The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26-11 Mumbai attacks in 2008.”
“Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families, and society,” she said.
Quoting the UN Security Council, she reiterated, “perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism must be held accountable and brought to justice.”
Patel stressed that “acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomever committed.” She firmly reiterated India’s position: “Terrorism in all its forms must be condemned unequivocally.”
Patel termed the establishment of the Victims of Terrorism Association as “a significant step” that “will create a structured, safe space for victims to be heard and supported.”
UNI
