Washington: US President Donald Trump has described as ‘horrible’ the deadly terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama, as his administration offered full support to India to combat terrorism and asked Islamabad to punish anyone responsible for the ‘heinous act’.
Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be ‘wonderful’ if the two South Asia neighbours get along.
“I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along,” Trump said in response to a question. “That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out,” Trump added.
At a separate news conference, the State Department said the US has been in close communication with the Indian government ‘to express not only our condolences but our strong support’.
“We’re committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all of its forms,” State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters at a news conference.
“The perpetrator of that heinous act claimed allegiance to the United Nations-designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and we call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists,” Palladino added.
The US has a close, cooperative relationship with India, a security relationship, and that includes counter-terrorism operations, Palladino pointed out.
“So we are committed to working with India, the Indian government, and on these counter-terrorism efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including at the United Nations” Palladino informed.
“We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible,” he added.
It should be mentioned here that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Officer John Bolton and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe havens.
In another development Alyssa Ayres from the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank has slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who in a speech sought proof for the terrorist attack for them to take action.
“Unfortunately, Pakistan has not taken action against LeT and JeM despite evidence. No one has been brought to justice for the Mumbai attack,” Ayres said Tuesday.
PTI