Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Apr 25: The United States has extended strong support to India in the wake of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead, most of them tourists, and called for those responsible to be swiftly brought to justice.
In an official statement, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Thursday, “As President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio have made clear, the United States stands with India, strongly condemns all acts of terrorism.”
She further stated, “We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured, and we call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice.”
The brutal attack, which occurred on Tuesday near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, sent shockwaves across the country and drew widespread condemnation. Armed terrorists reportedly opened fire indiscriminately at civilians, most of whom were visiting the valley.
When questioned about possible Pakistani involvement and whether Washington was playing a mediatory role to defuse tensions between the two neighbouring countries, Bruce refrained from making direct comments.
“What I can tell you is, of course, as we all know, it’s a rapidly changing situation and we are monitoring it closely, as you might imagine,” she said, adding, “We are not taking a position on the status of Kashmir or Jammu either, so that’s really going to be the extent of what I can say today.”
On being asked whether President Donald Trump had offered mediation between India and Pakistan during his first term, Bruce declined to elaborate. “I’m not going to be remarking... as I mentioned.”
The remarks come at a time of heightened sensitivity in the region, as tensions between India and Pakistan often spike following major incidents of terror in Jammu and Kashmir.
While India continues to investigate the perpetrators behind the massacre, international voices like that of the US have echoed global solidarity against terrorism and support for India’s right to security and justice.
Further developments are being closely monitored by both regional and international stakeholders amid fears of escalation.