Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on Monday, released crucial information in the investigation of the Pahalgam terror attack. According to him, the terrorists were directly in touch with handlers in Pakistan.
Quoting reports, PTI quoted Misri as stating, “UN-designated terrorists walk free in Pakistan, continue to foment violence against India.” He underscored the existence of a robust nexus comprising terrorists, Pakistan’s military intelligence, and civilian administration.
Terror Infrastructure in Pakistan ‘Well Established’
Misri referred to Pakistan’s terror network as “well established, based on sound facts and evidence,” citing its long history of instigating trouble in India. The statement comes just as 12 people, including a YouTuber, were arrested last week in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on charges of espionage.
Investigations indicate that these suspects belonged to a Pakistan-connected spy network that was active throughout northern India. The disclosure further lends credence to India’s suspicions about clandestine Pakistani activity.
Operation Sindoor and Ceasefire Agreement
The committee sitting was against the context of Operation Sindoor, which was initiated by Indian troops in response to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian army hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the operation, reportedly killing almost 100 terrorists. Major hideouts of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were also targeted.
Though there was a military buildup, Misri explained that the India-Pakistan conflict continued to be conventional, since “There was no indication of nuclear signalling from Pakistan.” He reiterated that the ceasefire was a two-way decision, not affected by third parties—implicitly responding to opposition queries regarding US President Donald Trump’s previous assertion of facilitating a ceasefire.
High-Level Attendance in Parliament Panel Meeting
The session was presided over by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and other prominent political leaders like Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Rajeev Shukla and Deepender Hooda (Congress), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), and BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi and Arun Govil.
Misri’s revelations underscore the seriousness of the danger emanating from Pakistan-based terrorist groups and put India’s continuous efforts to counter these threats through both military and diplomatic means into perspective.
