What Did BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad Say About Pakistan's Role in Terrorism During His UK Visit?
BJP Delegation Addresses Terrorism Concerns in the UK
London: During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is leading a multi-party Parliamentary delegation, asserted that terrorism and the state apparatus in Pakistan are closely intertwined.
Speaking to a large audience at India House in London, Prasad emphasized India's firm stance against terrorism, particularly referencing Operation Sindoor, which was initiated following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.
The event saw significant participation from the Indian diaspora, who expressed their strong support for India.
The delegation informed attendees about the details of the Pahalgam attack and India's subsequent actions, reaffirming the nation's commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms.
Prasad characterized the Pahalgam incident as a deliberate attempt to undermine peace and development, stating that Operation Sindoor aims to dismantle terror camps supported by Pakistan.
"India seeks peace, but those who harm innocent lives will face consequences," he remarked. He further noted, "In Pakistan, terrorism and state machinery collaborate, so every act of terror will be treated as an act of war."
Reiterating India's unwavering policy on national security, Prasad declared that the country will respond decisively to any terrorist activities.
He also highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan.
"Are you aware of the suffering in PoK? The people there are pleading to come to India. Women in Balochistan are facing horrific treatment. The situation in Pakistan is dire," he stated.
Reflecting on historical conflicts with Pakistan, Prasad noted, "India has fought four conventional wars, none initiated by us; we only responded, and Pakistan lost each time. Jinnah's creation of Pakistan has turned it into a 'General shop.'"
After the event, Prasad shared on social media, "Today, alongside my esteemed colleagues from the all-party delegation, I engaged with representatives of the vibrant and diverse Indian Diaspora at India House in London. We conveyed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, shedding light on the tragic Pahalgam attack."
"We also briefed them on Operation Sindoor, emphasizing our resolute policy against terrorism in all its forms. We made it clear that any acts of terror will be met with the utmost resolve," he added.
Members of the diaspora praised Operation Sindoor and the government's efforts under PM Narendra Modi to tackle cross-border terrorism.
The all-party delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Gulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister M.J. Akbar, and former diplomat Pankaj Saran.
On Sunday, the delegation paid respects at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square Garden and visited the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Museum.
At the museum, Prasad remarked, "We paid emotional tributes to the revered Dr. Ambedkar. We are proud to visit this historic site where he lived for two years. The Government of India has preserved this important residence, now maintained by the Indian High Commission. We honored this great Indian leader and reformer with flowers."
"It is significant that all five sites linked to Dr. Ambedkar's life have been preserved as 'Smriti Sthal,' reflecting his lasting legacy. I pay my deep tribute to his remarkable contributions," he added.
Following visits to France, Italy, and Denmark, the delegation arrived in London as part of India's global diplomatic outreach to highlight Operation Sindoor and the ongoing battle against terrorism sponsored by Pakistan.