NewKerala.com

India Slams Pak Minister's "Strike Kolkata" Threat, Cites Operation Sindoor

Indian political parties have united in condemning Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's statement that Pakistan would target Kolkata in any future conflict. The BJP and Congress dismissed Asif's accusations of Indian "false flag operations," with Congress MP Manish Tewari labeling Pakistan the "epicentre of terrorism." BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo reminded Pakistan of India's military response in Operation Sindoor, which destroyed terror infrastructures. Indian leaders asserted that Pakistan's threats are empty and that India possesses the capability and will to respond decisively if provoked.

Key Points: India Rejects Pak Defence Minister's Threat to Target Kolkata

  • Pak Defence Minister threatens Kolkata as target
  • Indian parties condemn "baseless" false flag allegation
  • BJP cites 2019 Operation Sindoor as warning
  • Leaders assert India's capability to strike back
3 min read

BJP, Cong slam Pak Defence Minister's 'Kolkata as potential target' statement

BJP, Congress condemn Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's statement threatening to strike Kolkata in a future conflict, citing Pakistan as "epicentre of terrorism".

"If they try to enact such a drama this time, then God willing, we will take it to Kolkata. - Khawaja Asif"

New Delhi, April 5

The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress on Sunday lashed out at Pakistan after its Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned India that in case of any future conflict between the neighbouring countries, the rogue nation will strike West Bengal's capital Kolkata. Asif had also accused India of planning a "false flag operation" against Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters, Khawaja Asif had said, "They (India) (plan) some kind of false-flag operation through their own men or through the Pakistanis in their detention by planting dead bodies somewhere and claiming they were terrorists who had done so..."

"If they (India) try to enact such a drama this time, then God willing, we will take it to Kolkata," he added.

Criticising the Pakistan Defence Minister's remark, Congress MP Manish Tewari commented that Pakistan has achieved a "PhD in false flag operations".

Tewari told IANS, "Since 1971, Pakistan has been conducting false flag operations against India. They have achieved PhD in false flag operations. Whether it is Afghanistan, India or other South Asian countries."

The Congress MP also called Pakistan as the 'epicentre of terrorism'.

Tewari said, "If there is any epicentre of terrorism in South Asia, that is Pakistan."

"So those (Pakistan) who have done PhD in false flag operations, when they put baseless allegations on others, they, in fact, make a mockery of themselves," he added

BJP Spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo reminded the neighbouring country of how its terror infrastructures were destroyed by India during last year's Operation Sindoor.

"Does Pakistan have the courage to challenge India? During Operation Sindoor, when we struck inside their territory, they must not have forgotten how we destroyed the entire families of terrorists. We had not spared even their military installations," Deo said.

He asserted that Pakistan had begged India for ceasefire and said, "We stopped the war on our terms and conditions."

Moreover, BJP leader Deo emphasised that Kolkata is beyond the reach of Pakistan.

"They (Pakistan) just talk big. Kolkata is even beyond their reach. In fact, whenever we (India) want, we can (strike) any part of their country (Pakistan)," he said.

"India is a peace-loving country. It never wants a war to happen. We never function on the philosophy of attacking first but if somebody raises their eyes at us then what we did to Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, we will do 100 times worse than that, if they try to (strike at us) again," Deo told IANS.

Janata Dal-United leader Neeraj Kumar also echoed similar view while criticising Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

He said, "I hope Pakistan's Defence Minister is aware of the wounds of Operation Sindoor. Pakistan's terror infrastructures were reduced to rubbles in minutes. This type of statement from the Pakistan Minister is heavily objectionable."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see both BJP and Congress united in condemning Pakistan's rhetoric. National security should always be above politics. Manish Tewari's "PhD in false flag operations" comment is spot on. Pakistan's record speaks for itself.
A
Aman W
These threats are just for their domestic audience. They know they can't match India's military strength. But we must remain vigilant. Our government should continue strengthening border security and intelligence.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Kolkata, I find this statement deeply disturbing. It's not just a political comment; it's a direct threat to civilians. The international community should take note of such irresponsible rhetoric from a defence minister.
V
Vikram M
While I support a strong response, I hope our leaders also focus on de-escalation. War benefits no one, especially common people on both sides. We need diplomatic channels to be open, even while maintaining our defensive posture.
K
Karthik V
Operation Sindoor was a clear message. Pakistan's economy is in shambles, and they're trying to divert attention. Our focus should be on development and ensuring our military readiness is second to none. Empty vessels make the most noise.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50