No Equivalence between Pakistan & India: Tharoor on Colombia’s Reaction on Op Sindoor
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have taken a new turn, with a recent development leaving many in the country feeling disappointed and frustrated. Colombia’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan due to Operation Sindoor, rather than sympathizing with Indian victims of terrorism, has drawn sharp criticism from none other than Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
Tharoor, who has been a vocal critic of Pakistan’s role in perpetuating terrorism in the region, told News18 that India is “disappointed” with Colombia’s decision to offer condolences to Pakistan. According to him, there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, those who attack and those who defend.
“We’re exercising our right of self-defence,” Tharoor emphasized, in response to the Colombian delegation’s decision to pay respects to the victims of Operation Sindoor. For those who may not be aware, Operation Sindoor was a major military operation launched by the Indian Army in 2019, aimed at eliminating terrorist camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Tharoor’s remarks came in response to a question about the Colombian delegation’s visit to Pakistan and their decision to offer condolences to the Pakistani government and people. The delegation, led by Colombian Ambassador to Pakistan, Luis Miguel Hincapié, visited the country to pay respects to the victims of the operation.
The Congress MP argued that Colombia’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan was a clear indication of the country’s failure to understand the complexities of the situation on the ground. “It’s a mistake to equate the two sides in this conflict,” Tharoor said, emphasizing that India was not the aggressor in this situation.
Tharoor’s views are not without merit. The reality is that Pakistan has a long history of sponsoring terrorism in the region, and has been accused of providing safe haven to terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. These organizations have been responsible for some of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
In contrast, India has been exercising its right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, to eliminate terrorist camps and disrupt the infrastructure of terrorist organizations. The Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor was a testament to this commitment to self-defence.
Tharoor’s criticism of Colombia’s decision is not limited to the fact that it condoned the loss of lives in Pakistan. He also took umbrage with the fact that the Colombian delegation failed to meet with the families of those who were killed in the Pulwama attack, which was carried out by a terrorist group backed by Pakistan.
“This is a clear indication of Colombia’s inability to understand the complexities of the situation on the ground,” Tharoor said. “They are choosing to ignore the fact that India is a victim of terrorism and has the right to defend itself.”
Tharoor’s remarks have sparked a heated debate in the country, with many calling for India to take a strong stance against countries that condone terrorism. The Congress MP’s views have also been endorsed by many who believe that India should not tolerate any form of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.
As the diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer, Tharoor’s remarks are a clear indication of the country’s resolve to stand up to terrorism in all its forms. The Congress MP’s views are a reminder that India will not be intimidated by countries that condone terrorism and will continue to exercise its right to self-defence to protect its citizens.
