Is the Pahalgam Massacre an 'Insurgent Attack'? Congress Flags US Panel's Report and Questions Centre's Silence
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress criticizes US report on Pahalgam
- Designation of attack as 'insurgent' questioned
- Government urged to respond to US-China Commission
- Pakistan's claims about military success contested
- Diplomatic implications for India discussed
New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh raised concerns regarding unsettling revelations from a recent US panel report, which characterizes the Pahalgam terror attack as an 'insurgent attack'. He criticized the Central Government, labeling it a significant blow to India's diplomatic efforts.
The senior leader highlighted excerpts from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission's annual report shared on his X account, asserting that such a misrepresentation is intolerable for India.
Ramesh questioned the Centre's silence on the report, asking, “Will the Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs voice their objections?”
He inquired whether the government would formally challenge what he deemed “unacceptable” claims regarding the April attack, which led to the deaths of 26 innocent individuals, and the Operation Sindoor, India’s military reaction to the terror incident.
The report, made public on Tuesday, accused China of initiating a 'disinformation' campaign following Operation Sindoor, which included disseminating altered images to undermine the Rafale fighter jet's global sales.
It controversially stated that “only three jets operated by India’s military were reportedly downed, and not all may have been Rafales.”
Additionally, the report controversially claimed that “Pakistan's military success over India in its four-day conflict showcased Chinese weaponry.”
Responding to these contentious statements, Ramesh tweeted, “The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission has recently submitted its annual report to the US Congress. Established by both the Senate and House of Representatives, the commission comprises twelve independent members. The 2025 report spans nearly 800 pages, with sections on pages 108 and 109 being particularly astonishing and perplexing. 1. It describes the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025, orchestrated by Pakistan, as an 'insurgent attack'. 2. It references 'Pakistan's military success over India' in the four-day confrontation.”
Questioning the Indian government’s lack of response, he remarked, “President Trump has claimed 60 times that he has halted Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister has remained entirely silent. Now this report from the US-China Economic and Security Commission is categorically unacceptable to India. Will the Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs express their dissent?”
The US report also noted, “In the aftermath of the conflict, Chinese embassies celebrated their systems' successes during the India-Pakistan clash, aiming to enhance arms sales. Pakistan's employment of Chinese munitions to shoot down French Rafale fighter jets utilized by India became a particular selling point for Chinese defense sales efforts, despite only three jets flown by India's military being reportedly downed, and not all may have been Rafales.”
India has consistently rejected Pakistan's assertions of downing six Indian jets while admitting to some losses during the successful Operation Sindoor.