Shashi Tharoor Highlights Distinction Between Terrorism and Democracy
Tharoor's Stance on Terrorism and Mediation
On Thursday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized that there is a significant difference between nations that harbor terrorism and those that are thriving democracies. He stated, "There is no equivalence between a country that provides a safe haven to terrorism and a country that’s a flourishing multi-party democracy that’s trying to get on with its business."
When questioned about the potential role of the United States as a mediator, Tharoor expressed skepticism, saying, "Mediation is not a term that we are particularly willing to entertain. You’re implying an equivalence which simply doesn’t exist. There is no equivalence between terrorists and their victims." He acknowledged that the U.S. government had reached out to India, but suggested that similar efforts were likely directed at Pakistan, the nation that needed persuasion to halt its actions.
Response to Terrorism and Military Strategy
Tharoor further elaborated on India's military response, stating, "We hit terror bases. There are no terror bases in India to hit. There are no terrorist organizations in India listed in the UN or the State Department anywhere else. So, what do you hit? You hit civilians, innocent people." He highlighted the asymmetry in the conflict, asserting that India has aimed to respond with precision and has no interest in waging war against Pakistan or harming its civilians.
He also addressed concerns regarding China's technological influence, noting that Pakistan has been attempting to leverage Chinese technology in military operations. Tharoor explained that India has adapted its strategies effectively to counter these threats, emphasizing the importance of recalibrating military tactics during conflicts.
Evidence of Pakistan's Involvement in Terrorism
In response to inquiries about whether any country had requested proof of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, Tharoor stated, "I’m very glad you raised this. No one had any doubt, and we were not asked for evidence." He pointed out that India would not have acted without convincing evidence, citing a long history of terror attacks from Pakistan and their consistent denials.
Tharoor referenced past incidents, including the Mumbai attacks, to illustrate Pakistan's pattern of denying involvement in terrorism until confronted with undeniable evidence.