May 09, Kathmandu- Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a press conference on Thursday.

Responding to the tension with Pakistan, he said clearly that India is not in favor of escalating the tension. He said, “This series of tensions and provocations began with the attack in Pahalgam on April 22. India responded to it on May 7.”

Misri said that the Pakistan-backed terrorist organization ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. ‘They had claimed responsibility for the incident twice on April 22,’ he said, ‘but when the seriousness of the incident was realized, the members of the organization denied it.’ He said that when the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was issuing a statement on the incident, only Pakistan objected to the mention of the TRF.

Misri said, “You have seen that Pakistan’s defense minister and former foreign minister have admitted their links with terrorist organizations.” Pakistan had proposed an impartial joint investigation team to investigate the Pahalgam attack. Misri said, “Pakistan’s track record in this matter is not good.

Be it the 2008 Mumbai attack or the Pathankot attack. India had offered cooperation with Pakistan in both the incidents, provided forensic evidence. Cases were registered, but no progress was made. There was even a joint investigation in the Pathankot incident. Misri questioned the presence of the army at the funerals of those killed in the Indian attack in Pakistan.

Showing a picture of the funeral, Misri asked, “Does Pakistan give state honors to terrorists?” Misri said, “We have seen some pictures of the funerals of terrorists after the Indian airstrike. If only civilians were killed, I don’t know what message these pictures of the funerals send?” This question should be asked.’

Mishri showed a picture in which officers of the Pakistani military were also present at the funeral. He said, “It was also strange to see a civilian being cremated with the Pakistani flag and state honors.”