In the wake of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal on Wednesday called for international legal action against the perpetrators. He also urged the Indian government to declare Pakistan a “terrorist state” and seek their prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Those responsible for this should be prosecuted in the international court. I urge the Home Minister to proscribe Pakistan as a terrorist state and move the International Criminal Court,” Sibal said, while speaking to media.
Call for ICC Involvement Despite India’s Non-Membership
The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, Netherlands, investigates and prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. However, India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that governs the ICC, and hence is not under its jurisdiction unless the UN Security Council refers a case or India voluntarily accepts the court’s jurisdiction.
Despite this limitation, Sibal argued that the gravity and brutality of the Pahalgam attack — targeting civilians in a remote area — merits international judicial attention.
“It is an act of madness, an act of insanity, but there is much more to it. It was clearly premeditated. The area is remote and cannot be reached by vehicles, so they knew it would take time for security forces to arrive,” he noted, citing the strategic planning by the attackers.
Demand for Stronger Diplomatic Stand Against Pakistan
Sibal further demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should initiate the process to formally designate Pakistan as a terrorist state, citing its continued support to cross-border terrorism.
He added that if such a move were to be taken up by the government, the Opposition—including the Congress—would fully support it.
Nationwide Outrage and Heightened Security
The terror attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam has left the nation in shock, especially as it targeted tourists at a time when Kashmir was witnessing peak tourist activity. The attackers, reportedly armed with AK-47s, carefully selected the remote location, making immediate intervention difficult.
In response, the area has seen a total shutdown on Wednesday with traders, residents, and political parties showing solidarity with the victims. Security operations have been intensified, and forces are combing the region to locate the attackers. Streets that are usually filled with tourists now remain deserted under high alert.