Darjeeling (West Bengal) [India]: Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and accused Pakistan of using terrorism as a tool to disrupt India’s progress. Shringla said the neighbouring country consistently resorts to such tactics whenever India moves forward on key national objectives.
“Pakistan’s effort has always been to distract and weaken India. Every time we make significant progress—be it after 26/11, Pulwama, or now Pahalgam—they try to reverse the clock through terrorism. The response must be strong, not just from India, but from the global community as well,” Shringla stated.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, marking one of the deadliest assaults in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019.
Shringla emphasized the need for the Central government to reinforce a red line—that any act of terrorism against Indian citizens will not be tolerated.
“We are a nation that values peace, but terrorism is a red line. Pakistan must learn that terrorism does not pay,” he said.
Shringla also lauded the quick actions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted the diplomatic steps taken to isolate Pakistan after the incident, including:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Reduction of diplomatic staff in each other’s High Commissions
- Expulsion of military attachés
- Curtailment of loopholes in visa systems, including the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme
“These measures are not just symbolic; they show we are serious about our national security. Our message to Pakistan is clear—terrorism will be met with strong consequences,” Shringla affirmed.