Pahalgam Terror Attack: War with Pakistan must be last resort, Siddaramaiah says

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said a war (with Pakistan) should only be the last resort, clarifying on his earlier comments opposing the idea of war over the Pahalgam terror strike.

“Only when every other means to defeat the enemy has failed should a country be compelled to go to war,” the CM said on Sunday after his earlier comments sparked a furore while the same were picked up by sections of the Pak media as he blamed the tragedy on intelligence failure.

Siddaramaiah attacked the Pak to clarify on where he stood on the subject as the BJP stepped up its attack on him, projecting him as a pro-Pak sympathizer.

“The horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, orchestrated by Pakistan-backed militants, has made it painfully clear — both to the people of our nation and to the central government — that there were grave lapses in our intelligence and security apparatus. It is now the government’s solemn responsibility to first correct these shortcomings and to ensure such tragedies are not repeated in the future,” the CM said in a statement.

He welcomed the Centre’s diplomatic measures including the one on the Indus Waters Treaty. “We trust that even sterner actions are on the horizon. Not every move needs to be broadcast to the world; rest assured, the nation stands fully united behind every strong and decisive step taken.”

HATRED, DIVISION WITHIN INDIA
Siddaramaiah, however, warned that some “mischievous elements” were attempting to sow the seeds of hatred and divide the nation. The Union Government must act firmly against such forces too. “Today, India stands at a highly sensitive crossroads. If we are to face external enemies, we must first forge unwavering internal unity.”

Pakistan, the CM added, was a crumbling, and bankrupt state. “They have little left to lose. In contrast, India is rising — a growing superpower in the world order — and hence, we must tread with wisdom and caution. At this crucial moment, nations across the world have come out in strong condemnation of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, standing firmly with India. We must seize this unprecedented global support and teach Pakistan a lesson so profound that they dare not commit such reckless acts ever again.”

The Opposition BJP pounced on the CM for his comments, calling them as the one that do not befit the office he held.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra said, “Pakistani media is all too praise” for him. “Nehru was taken around in an open Jeep around the streets of Rawalpindi, as Pakistan was so happy with Nehru for signing the Indus Water Treaty, that favoured Pakistan. Is Siddaramaiah going to be the next politician from India to be taken around in an open Jeep in Pakistan?”