Moscow [Russia], May 24 (ANI): DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, leading an all-party delegation to Russia, on Saturday strongly asserted that terrorist attacks in India are consistently linked to Pakistan. The delegation is in Moscow to highlight India’s firm response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, and to reaffirm India’s zero-tolerance stance on cross-border terrorism.
Addressing the media, Kanimozhi emphasized that India responded with restraint and precision during Operation Sindoor, ensuring that only terrorist camps were targeted and no civilians harmed. She contrasted this approach with Pakistan’s retaliatory aggression, which reportedly struck civilian infrastructure, including religious sites and residential areas.
“India had no choice but to respond. But when India responded, we responded responsibly. We ensured no civilian was affected. We (during Operation Sindoor) only targeted the installations where terrorists were sheltered and trained. They resorted to military aggression and targeted gurdwaras, temples, residential areas where Indian civilians lived, and even our military bases,” Kanimozhi said.
Highlighting the consistent pattern of terror attacks traced back to Pakistan, Kanimozhi pointed to the efforts made by successive Indian Prime Ministers to achieve peace between the two nations. However, she stated that India’s goodwill has often been met with hostility.
“From Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to Atal Bihari Vajpayee to PM Narendra Modi, they all made attempts to bring permanent peace between India and Pakistan. We have always taken the lead, but unfortunately, we have also been hurt because of terrorist attacks in different parts of India, and the link always traces back to Pakistan, every time. Finally, it’s time that we will not accept any excuse and call a spade a spade. Prime Minister said it clearly that terrorism and sponsoring terrorism are not two different things,” she declared.
Kanimozhi explained that the delegation was sent by the Indian government to engage directly with Russian leaders—a longtime strategic partner—to clarify India’s position in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. She underscored the historical depth of Indo-Russian relations, including diplomatic, trade, and cultural ties.
“The government of India has sent this delegation to engage with Russia, which has been a very important and strategic partner. A good friend of India for decades. We have worked together on many issues and maintain close relationships—be it diplomatic, strategic, trade, or cultural exchanges. We have grown closer together,” she said.
Referring to the April 22 attack, Kanimozhi said terrorists from Pakistan gunned down 26 Indian tourists in front of their families. She noted that while a Pakistan-based terror group publicly claimed responsibility twice, Pakistan blocked an attempt to designate the group at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
“On April 22, terrorists from Pakistan shot dead 26 tourists in Indian territory, in front of their families and children. It shook the conscience of the world. One of the terror organisations, harboured in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the killing—twice. Yet, Pakistan chose to protect them in the UNSC and didn’t allow to name the (terrorist) group responsible for the attack on Indian soil,” she said.
The delegation includes MPs from multiple political parties, reflecting India’s national consensus on the issue. Members include SP MP Rajeev Rai, BJP’s Capt. Brijesh Chowta, RJD’s Prem Chand Gupta, AAP’s Ashok Kumar Mittal, and former Ambassador Manjeev S Puri. They arrived in Moscow on Friday.
On Saturday, the delegation paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian Embassy in Moscow and met with the Russian State Duma and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The group was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to the Russian Federation Vinay Kumar.
Following Russia, the delegation will visit Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain to further highlight the objectives of Operation Sindoor and reinforce India’s unwavering position against terrorism. (ANI)
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