Some moments are rare and unforgettable. The question-and-answer session between Shashi Tharoor and Ishan Tharoor was one such significant moment. Leading an all-party delegation post-Operation Sindhur to the United States, Shashi Tharoor attended a press conference where his son, Ishan Tharoor, represented the Washington Post. Ishan's question provoked Shashi Tharoor to deliver a compelling account, which is indeed a collectible document of Operation Sindhur's military and diplomatic successes.
During the press conference, Shashi Tharoor also disclosed the identification of four out of five attackers involved in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Drawing on intelligence insights, he explained that two of the attackers were Pakistani nationals, while two others were locals who had received training in Pakistan a decade prior.
Ishan Tharoor's question was whether the countries visited by the Indian delegation in regards to Operation Sindhur sought any evidence. Shashi Tharoor's response not only answered this but reiterated India's steadfast approach that actions like Operation Sindhur are never carried out without substantial evidence. He emphasized that this was no ordinary terrorist attack, but a strategically planned military-style operation which India decisively and responsibly countered.
Did anyone actually demand evidence?
When Ishan Tharoor rose to ask his question, Shashi Tharoor smiled and remarked, 'This is my son,' which sparked laughter across the hall. Both men, standing at opposite ends, exhibited a mutual consciousness of their responsibilities. Shashi's expression combining mission-critical responsibility and parental concern was evident, while Ishan, dedicated to his profession, appeared slightly apprehensive before his father. When Shashi Tharoor advised his son to hold the microphone correctly, joy was visible on his face. Ishan Tharoor writes as a columnist for the Washington Post's Foreign Desk.
Ishan's question was whether any country demanded evidence from India concerning Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, considering Pakistan's repetitive denials.
Shashi Tharoor explicitly stated that no country's government asked for evidence against Pakistan. This, he clarified, was because India acted after thorough assurance and the international community recognises Pakistan's ongoing support for terrorism.
Why did no one ask for evidence?
In his reply, Shashi Tharoor explained convincingly why no nation requested proof of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack. He outlined three primary reasons why Pakistan's claims are doubted globally and India's actions are trusted.
1. History of Supporting Terrorism and Pakistan's Denial Tactics
Shashi Tharoor illustrated how India has been enduring terrorism sponsored by Pakistan for 37 years, with Pakistan continuously denying its role. In incidents like the Mumbai attacks, where a terrorist was caught alive revealing details of training and patrons in Pakistan, Pakistani handlers were recorded directing attackers live. It's Pakistan's pattern: dispatch terrorists, deny involvement, and refuse acknowledgment even when evidence is presented.
2. Claim of Responsibility by TRF Linked to Pakistan
Shashi Tharoor reminded how the TRF, 'The Resistance Front,' claimed responsibility for the attack within 45 minutes. This group, based in Pakistan and banned by the UN, is essentially a unit of the terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. India had already shared evidence about TRF with the UN and the US. The prompt claim of responsibility hinted at a premeditated plan, although the claim was later retracted from their website, the world had seen it.
3. Presence of Pakistani Military Officers at Terrorists' Funerals
The world witnessed, Shashi pointed out, the presence of Pakistani military generals and police officers in uniform at the funerals of terrorists killed by India's military action. Among the dead were members of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, clearly evidencing a direct relationship between Pakistan's army and terrorists.
It has been noted domestically that demands were made for surgical strike evidence against Pakistan, yet questions directed at Shashi Tharoor were about proof concerning the Pakistani attack. His explanation clarified that the world does not take Pakistan's assertions seriously, signifying the diplomatic success of Operation Sindhur.
