adminIndian Ministers Reject Pakistan PM’s Offer for Investigation, Vow Strong Action
Published: April 26, 2025
Indian ministers have sharply criticized Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for a neutral investigation into the deadly attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir. Senior Indian politicians have dismissed the suggestion, accusing Pakistan of attempting to deflect responsibility and continue its alleged support for militant groups operating in the region.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdard was particularly vocal in his condemnation of Sharif’s offer. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Majumdard questioned the integrity of an investigation led by Pakistan, calling it a “mockery.”
“What investigation will these people do? Can a thief even investigate his own theft?” Majumdard said, referring to Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting militant groups in Kashmir. He added that Pakistan’s willingness to discuss an investigation was motivated by fear, emphasizing that India’s response to Pakistan’s actions would be forceful.
“When Pakistan is not prepared, that’s when we will hit them, and we will hit them hard,” Majumdard warned.
The comments are part of a broader and increasingly hostile rhetoric between India and Pakistan following the attack on April 24, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The assault, attributed to militants, has intensified already-high tensions between the two countries. Indian authorities have blamed Pakistan-based groups for orchestrating the massacre, further inflaming relations.
Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir, also weighed in on the matter, expressing disappointment in Pakistan’s initial reaction to the attack. Abdullah criticized Pakistan for not directly acknowledging the assault and initially placing blame on India. He dismissed Pakistan’s condemnation as insincere.
“For the people who made allegations against us in the first place, it is difficult to say anything about it now. I don’t want to give much importance to their statements,” Abdullah told reporters in Ramban, located in the Jammu region of Kashmir.
The attack has triggered a wave of public outrage across India, with many demanding swift action against Pakistan. The ongoing military clash between the two nations along the Line of Control (LoC) has further complicated the diplomatic situation.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, addressing the crisis in Mohali, described the attack as “state-sponsored terrorism,” a direct accusation against Pakistan’s alleged support for extremist groups in Kashmir. Puri also harshly criticized Pakistan’s political and economic stability, describing it as a country in “terminal decline.”
“Pakistan is not just a rogue state; it is a country in terminal decline,” Puri said. His remarks reflect growing frustrations in India, which has long accused Pakistan of harboring militants who cross the border to launch attacks on Indian soil.
The diplomatic exchange comes at a time of heightened military activity in Kashmir. As Indian forces continue their hunt for the attackers, the region remains on high alert. Local residents in Pahalgam and neighboring districts have been forced to endure curfews and lockdowns, further exacerbating an already tense environment.
While Prime Minister Sharif has reiterated his position that Pakistan is ready to defend its sovereignty, his suggestion of a neutral investigation is unlikely to quell India’s anger or shift the trajectory of the ongoing crisis.
The Pahalgam attack and subsequent events underscore the fragile nature of India-Pakistan relations. With both countries exchanging heavy artillery along the LoC and accusations flying, the prospect of de-escalation seems distant.
As tensions continue to rise, many fear that the ongoing violence could spiral out of control, leading to a larger military confrontation between two nuclear-armed neighbors. The international community is closely monitoring developments, with calls for both sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue.
