No Equivalence Between Pak & India: Tharoor on Colombia’s Reaction on Op Sindoor
India and Pakistan have a long-standing history of conflict and tension, with both countries having been embroiled in multiple wars and skirmishes over the years. The latest flashpoint in this ongoing saga is Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir against terrorist groups, which has resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides. Amidst this backdrop, a delegation from Colombia recently visited Pakistan and expressed condolences for the loss of lives in the country, a move that has sparked outrage and disappointment in India.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, a vocal critic of Pakistan’s policies and actions, has spoken out about the situation, expressing his disappointment and frustration with Colombia’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan without showing similar empathy for the victims of terrorism in India. In an interview, Tharoor emphasized that there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, and that India is simply exercising its right of self-defense against terrorist groups.
The context of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor, which began in August 2023, is a military operation conducted by the Indian Army against terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was launched in response to a series of terror attacks and ceasefire violations by Pakistan-based terrorist groups, which have resulted in the loss of many innocent lives and widespread destruction.
The operation has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with reports suggesting that dozens of soldiers and civilians have been killed or injured. While India has maintained that the operation is aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and infrastructure, Pakistan has accused India of launching a “brutal” and “cowardly” attack on its soil.
Colombia’s reaction sparks outrage
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage and disappointment in India, a delegation from Colombia recently visited Pakistan and expressed condolences for the loss of lives in the country. The delegation, which included Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Carlos Holmes Trujillo, met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and other top officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
The visit and subsequent condolences have been seen as a snub to India, which has accused Pakistan of supporting and harboring terrorist groups that have been responsible for numerous attacks on Indian soil. The Indian government has also accused Pakistan of using terrorism as a tool to destabilize the region and undermine its sovereignty.
Tharoor’s response
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been vocal in his criticism of Colombia’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan without showing similar empathy for the victims of terrorism in India. In an interview, Tharoor emphasized that there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, and that India is simply exercising its right of self-defense against terrorist groups.
“We’re not asking for anybody’s permission to defend ourselves against terrorism,” Tharoor said. “We’re exercising our right of self-defense… there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist… those who attack and those who defend.”
Tharoor also highlighted the fact that India has been a victim of terrorism for many years, with numerous attacks on its soil resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. He emphasized that India has the right to defend itself against terrorist groups and that Colombia’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan without showing similar empathy for the victims of terrorism in India is unacceptable.
Indian government’s response
The Indian government has also responded to Colombia’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India was “disappointed” with Colombia’s decision and emphasized that the country’s right to self-defense against terrorism must be respected.
“The Government of India is disappointed at the decision of the Colombian Government to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan without expressing similar condolences for the victims of terrorism in India,” the statement said. “India’s right to self-defense against terrorism must be respected, and we expect all countries to do the same.”
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Operation Sindoor and Colombia’s reaction to it highlights the complex and sensitive nature of Indo-Pak relations. While India has the right to defend itself against terrorist groups, the country’s actions must be seen in the context of the long-standing conflict with Pakistan.
The controversy also underscores the need for countries to take a balanced and nuanced approach to regional issues, avoiding actions that may be perceived as biased or one-sided. As Shashi Tharoor has emphasized, there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, and India’s right to self-defense must be respected.
