Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 10 : Following the understanding between India and Pakistan, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday asserted that they should continue the battle against terrorism, adding that preparations that India was doing as a nation to combat terrorism should go ahead with full flow.
"We should continue our battle against terrorism. Terrorism does not understand ceasefire. So I think whatever preparations we are doing as a nation to combat terrorism should go ahead with full flow," Kharge told ANI.
Congress leader Pawan Khera said that it was "unprecedented" that they learned this from American President Donald Trump.
"It is unprecedented that we get to know this from the American President... Therefore, the questions that India wants to ask can only be answered through a special session of Parliament. Therefore, Congress demands a special session of Parliament and an all-party meeting... the country deserves to know what it has achieved and what India has lost...the victims of Pahalgam would also like to know whether justice has been served to them or not," Khera said.
RJD MP Manoj Jha said that in history, India has never wanted war; war has always been imposed on India.
"But whenever we have fought a war, we have fought bravely. I salute the valour of the armed forces...Here too, our armed forces have targeted only terrorist hideouts; civilians and military establishments were not targeted. What did we get in return? Our citizens were killed...This is the difference between India and Pakistan...I urge the Prime Minister to call a special session to give a united message to the nation and salute the valour of the armed forces," Jha said.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that both countries have agreed not to escalate the fight, which is good for both countries.
Both countries have agreed not to escalate the fight, mediated by US President Donald Trump....I welcome this. Our CM has welcomed this officially. It is good for both countries," Parameshwara said.
In a crucial step toward de-escalation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart earlier this week. The two sides agreed to halt all military actions--on land, at sea, and in the air--effective from 1700 hours IST.
Misri noted that instructions have been issued to enforce the ceasefire, with another round of DGMO-level talks scheduled for May 12 at noon.
Addressing the press briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time."
He added, "Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours."
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said," India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on the stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so."
Claiming that US mediation played a key role, US President Donald Trump praised the leadership of both countries for choosing "common sense and great intelligence" to de-escalate the crisis.
Sharing a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Earlier, India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in reply to the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam on May 2. The attack had killed 26 people. India had stuck nine terror sites deep inside Pakistan. This saw Pakistan up the ante with a series of unprovoked escalations using artillery guns and drones.