Pulwama terror attack | Only illiterate people can talk about war: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says dialogue only option for India, Pak
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday claimed that only fools could think of a war in these times and dialogue was the only option for India and Pakistan to resolve the tension arising in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of at least 40 CRPF jawans.
Talking to media in Srinagar, the PDP chief claimed that the war between India and Pakistan was unthinkable as both countries were nuclear powers, "and when they have the option of dialogue, I don't think the question of war arises," she added.
Mufti also advocated that Imran Khan deserved a chance from India. "It is true that whether it was Pathankot attack or Mumbai attack they (Pakistan) were given proof but they did not take action. But because Imran Khan is a new PM and he is talking about a new start, he should be given a chance. We should give proof and see what they do," she argued.
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Mufti's statement stirred a controversy as media and public slammed the dialogue advocacy. Reacting to the condemnation, Mufti asked people 'yelling war' to pack ther bags and join troops at the border.
"Unable to understand the outrage over my statement today.Anybody with half a brain wouldnt advocate war especially between two countries that are nuclear powers. All the tv anchors yelling for war, I suggest you pack your bags and join our troops at the borders," Mufti said in a tweet.
Indian on Tuesday sent a strong message to Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan after he offered India to provide evidence of Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama terror attack. In its reply, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India is surprised that the prime minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism. Khan has neither chosen to condemn this heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families, the MEA said in a statement.
Slamming the Pakistani prime minister over his claims, the MEA said Khan has ignored claims made by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as well as by terrorists, who perpetrated this heinous crime.
The statement further said it's a well-known fact that JeM and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action, it said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Pulwama terror attack was a cruel symbol of attack on humanity, adding it was important to get the terrorists and their supporters punished.
Addressing a joint press conference with visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, PM Modi said that both India and Saudi Arabia have identical views on fighting terrorism.
The Saudi Crown Prince, in his address, said that extremism and terrorism are common concerns for the two countries. Though the Saudi prince offered to cooperate with India on all fronts including intelligence sharing, he preferred to keep mum on Pulwama terror attack.
"We would like to tell our friend India that we'll cooperate on all fronts including intelligence sharing. We'll work with everyone to ensure a brighter future for our upcoming generations," Mohammad bin Salman said.
(With inputs from ANI)
