Dubai [UAE], May 23 : Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, leading a high-level all-party delegation, condemned the brutal attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, describing it as a "clear-cut message to humanity" to unite and fight terrorism.
Addressing a press conference, Shinde called for international solidarity in the aftermath of the attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
Addressing a press conference here, Shrikant Shinde said, "Attacks have happened in different parts of India, may it be the Mumbai serial blast, 26/11, the Pulwama or now the Pahalgam attack. This time, the attack happened with a clear-cut message to the entire humanity."
Describing the horror of the incident, he added, "Innocent lives were lost. 26 people lost their lives. People were brutally murdered in front of their family, small children and their wives watching their sole breadwinner of the family dying in front of them."
Drawing parallels with past attacks, Shinde reiterated that the pattern of cross-border terrorism continues unabated, placing direct blame on Pakistan for harbouring terror groups.
"It's time the world sees the real face of Pakistan. Our neighbouring nation is harbouring terrorists who are sponsoring and supporting terrorist organisations. After the terrorist attacks, the first organisation that claimed responsibility for the attacks was the TRF. But, after some time, because of the pressure from Pakistan, they withdrew that tweet, and they deleted that tweet. But the pattern is the same," he said.
He urged everybody to unite against terrorism and said nations like the US, UK, and others that have also been victims of terror to come together.
"This is the time for all the nations to unite and fight the battle against terrorism. This terrorism is not only restricted to India, but the UAE has also suffered. The US has also suffered. London has also suffered. There is not a single nation which is which has not suffered the brunt of terrorism. This is the message we are carrying and giving it to the whole world to unite and fight against terrorism," he said.
Appreciating support from the UAE in their stance against terror, Shrikant Shinde said, "After arriving here, every delegation member has been heartened by the solidarity shown. The UAE was the first to condemn the Pahalgam attack publicly, and dignitaries here have stood firmly with India."
Citing Operation Sindoor, India's response to the attack, Shinde criticised Pakistan for mourning terrorists at their funerals alongside civilians and military personnel.
"It is very important for the entire world to know a country that is harbouring and supporting terrorism. A day after Operation Sindoor, Pakistani army personnel mourned the demise of terrorists and were also present at the funeral," he said.
Concluding with a broader geopolitical perspective, Shinde positioned India as a beacon of stability in the region.
"India is not just the fifth-largest economy -- we're on our way to becoming the third-largest after the US and China. Compare this with what has happened to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. India stands tall," he said.
The all-party delegation led by Shinde comprises MPs Bansuri Swaraj, ET Mohmd Basheer, Atul Garg, Sasmit Patra, Manan Kumar Mishra, BJP leader Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy.
Earlier today, the high-level all-party delegation visited the BAPS Hindu temple near the Abu Mureikha area in Abu Dhabi.
After their visit, Shrikant Shinde described it as a 'divine' experience, calling it a "reflection of (Aastha) faith and (Asmita) identity" in Abu Dhabi.
The all-party delegation projects India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism.
India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases.
The two countries have reached an understanding to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart.