In close heels to India's UN Secretary Eenam Gambhir's flaying 'Ivy League of Terrorism' speech at the UN, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj delivered an emotional, yet level-headed speech at the UN General Assembly, where she named Pakistan and India's problem with the terrorism supporter.
The overall tone of her speech demanded to isolate the south Asian country in the world map, and how India has been doing its part of maintaining peace with the neighbour. In her address, at the 71st UNGA session, she said there are nations "in our midst" where UN designated terrorists roam freely and deliver "their poisonous sermons of hate with impunity". "In our midst, there are nations that still speak the language of terrorism, that nurture it, peddle it, and export it. To shelter terrorists has become their calling card. We must identify these nations and hold them to account," she said in her 20 minute speech. In a firm voice, Swaraj said, "These nations, in which UN designated terrorists roam freely, lead processions, are as culpable as the very terrorists they harbour. Such countries should have no place in the comity of nations."
She even directly addressed Pak PM Nawaz Sharif's "baseless allegations". "I can only say that those accusing others of human rights violations would do well to introspect and see what egregious abuses they are perpetrating in their own country, including in Balochistan. The brutality against the Baloch people represents the worst form of state oppression." The highlight of her speech however, remained her call to Pakistan, to quit dreaming of attaining Kashmir. She asked them to "abandon this dream" and asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is an "integral part of India and will always remain so". "It (Pakistan) persists in the belief that such attacks will enable it to obtain the territory it covets," she said.
Speaking about India's constant attempts to establish an unprecedented "paradigm of friendship" with Pak in the last few years, she said all India got in return were terror attacks in Uri and Pathankot. "We took the initiative to resolve issues not on the basis of conditions, but on the basis of friendship. We have in fact attempted a paradigm of friendship in the last two years which is without precedent. We conveyed Eid greetings to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, wished success to his cricket team, extended good wishes for his health and well being. Did all this come with pre-conditions attached? And what did we get in return? Pathankot, Bahadur Ali, and Uri. Bahadur Ali is a terrorist in our custody, whose confession is a living proof of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror," she said.
The Indian retaliation comes after the recent terror attack in Uri, that claimed the lives of 18 Army jawans. The central government, miffed with the act, decided enough is enough and called for a stern stand against Pak.
"This month we marked the 15th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on this city. Tragically, less than 15 days ago, another attempt at killing innocents was made through an act of terror in this same city," Swaraj said referring to the bombings in Manhattan and New Jersey earlier this month. "We, who have suffered in Uri recently, understand the pain inflicted by the same forces. The world has been battling this scourge for long. However, despite the blood and tears of innocent victims, attacks this year alone in Kabul and Dhaka, Istanbul and Mogadishu, Brussels and Bangkok, Paris, Pathankot and Uri as well as daily barbaric tragedies in Syria and Iraq, remind us that these malevolent forces are yet to be defeated," she said.
Modi's first public address since Uri
In his first public address since the Uri attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out at Pakistan saying there is but one country in Asia that has been hosting and housing terrorism. In the event, part of a three-day Bharatiya Janata Party national conclave in Kozhikode, Kerala, the leader touched several subjects, including Keralites in the Gulf, BJP leader Deendayal Upadhyay, and Uri.
"This is Asia's century. All the Asian countries striving for an Asian century. But one country in Asia is spreading terror. It is being a hindrance to the development. That country is exporting terror. That country has become a fear factor, whether it be for Afghanistan or Bangladesh. A country's name crops up when a terror strikes anywhere in the world," he said. "In Kashmir's Uri, militants with the support of a neighbouring state, killed 18 soldiers in an army camp. India will never forget that. India will give a fitting reply. In the last few months, 17 incidents have taken place. Many were killed. However, our army took steps to check cross-border terrorism. As many as 110 militants have also been killed."
Modi added, "The Indian Army will strive to check any incursions. We are proud of our Army. The nation's 125 Crore people are with our brave jawans. The efforts of the BSF or the CRPF to keep the terrorists in check is not just because of good weapons but also your prayers."
In order to isolate Pakistan, India has decided to not attend the SAARC meet in Islamabad and also to review the MFN status to Pakistan.
