Vikram Misri Criticises Pakistan For Giving State Honour To Terrorists

Addressing the media on escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri slammed Pakistan for giving state-honour funerals of three terrorists. These individuals were eliminated in strikes by the Indian military as part of Operation Sindoor. Misri highlighted the unusual practice of draping coffins with Pakistani flags and conducting the funerals with state honors, a treatment typically reserved for civilians. This occurrence raises questions about the nature of the individuals being honored in such a manner.

During the briefing, Misri pointed out the contradiction in Pakistan's claim that the Indian military had targeted civilians in their recent operation. He underscored that the strikes on May 7 specifically targeted terrorist infrastructure, based on precise intelligence. The presence of Pakistan Army personnel at these funerals, Misri argued, sends a telling message about the identities of the deceased. According to Misri, the practice of giving terrorists state funerals seems to be a norm in Pakistan, which he finds perplexing and unjustifiable.

India's Counterterrorism Efforts Highlighted

India undertook military action against nine terrorist facilities under 'Operation Sindoor' in response to a terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians. This operation aimed to dismantle the infrastructure supporting terrorism, with India confirming the successful elimination of several terror targets. Despite Pakistan's claims that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, India maintains that the operation was focused exclusively on combatting terrorism.

The targeted strike in Muridke, situated about 40 kilometers from Lahore, resulted in the deaths of Qari Abdul Malik, Khalid, and Mudassir. This action was part of India's broader strategy to disrupt the operations of terrorist groups. The funeral for these individuals was conducted under strict security measures and saw the attendance of not just Pakistan Army personnel but also members of the civil bureaucracy and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a banned organization led by Hafiz Saeed. The ceremony, led by Hafiz Abdul Rauf, included prayers for the nation's safety and security.

Misri also addressed Pakistan's allegations that India had targeted religious sites during its operation. He categorically denied these claims, emphasizing that the operation focused solely on terrorist infrastructure and facilities linked to cross-border terrorism into India. Misri accused Pakistan of misusing religious sites to radicalize, instruct, and train terrorists, thereby endangering the region's security.