No Impunity for Cross-Border Attacks from Pakistan, Warns Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted that individuals in Pakistan will no longer be permitted to kill Indian citizens with impunity by crossing the border. He stated, referencing post-Pahalgam attacks, that a "new norm" ensures a "price to pay" for such actions. This strong statement underscores a firm stance on national security and a zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
Unpacked:
Tharoor’s statement was prompted by the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April, which killed 26 people, most of whom were tourists. The attack renewed concerns about cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and led to calls for a stronger Indian response.
India conducted retaliatory strikes, known as Operation Sindoor, on known terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes were described as precise, limited in scope, and intended to deliver a clear message against cross-border terrorism without seeking escalation or war.
Previously, India’s responses to cross-border attacks were more restrained and diplomatic. The ‘new norm’ stresses immediate, proportional military retaliation to terror attacks, signaling that any such action will have increasing costs for perpetrators, and indicating a shift toward zero tolerance.
India accuses Pakistan of supporting or tolerating terrorist groups that target India, while Pakistan denies this. Tensions have persisted for decades, with periods of dialogue interrupted by attacks. India’s recent firmer stance reflects frustration with repeated incidents and perceived lack of accountability from Pakistan.