New Delhi: Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday announced withdrawl of ‘Most Favored Nation’ (MFN) status to Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel at Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir.
The White House has strongly condemned the attack and has asked Pakistan to ‘immediately end the support and safe haven to terrorist groups operating on its soil’.
Here’s what other world leaders said on the heinous terror attack:
China
While Pakistan’s ally China condemned the attack, their stand on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar remained unchanged. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang responded in the UN by saying, “As for the issue of listing, I could tell you that the 1267 Committee of Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of the terrorist organisations”. He added that “JeM has been included in the UN Security Council terrorism sanctions list. China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner.”
Russia
Russian premier Vladamir Putin has written to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating, “Please accept my most sincere condolences for the Indian security force personnel killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. We strongly condemn this cruel crime. Those who ordered it and carried it out must undoubtedly be duly punished. I would like to reaffirm our readiness to further promote anti-terrorist cooperation with our Indian partners.”
France
France’s foreign minister Yves Le Drian tweeted his condolences and said “France had always stood by India in its fight against all forms of terrorism.” He called on “all states to fight effectively against terrorist networks and the channels of finance and also prevent the cross border movement of terrorists like the Jaish-e-Mohammed.”
Saudi Arabia
The oil-rich nation also expressed horror and condemned the bombing. The crown Prince Mohammad-bin-Salman is scheduled to visit Pakistan and India in a few days.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wikremesinghe called the Pulwama attack the worst since 1989 and tweeted the following:
I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to @narendramodi and the families of police officers who lost their lives.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) February 14, 2019
Nepal
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli called on his counterpart Narendra Modi to express condolences.
Bhutan
The Happy nation’s foreign ministry in a statement stated that they were “Shocked and saddened to hear of the dastardly terrorist attack in Kashmir, which has resulted in the loss of 30 precious human lives. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and express our solidarity with the families of the victims, and the people and Government of India.”
Deeply saddened by the news of the horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir. Bhutan strongly condemns terrorist attack of any nature. Our prayers are with the grieved family and we are following the situation closely.
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) February 14, 2019
Maldives
The foreign minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid wrote to Sushma Swaraj expressing “deep shock and horror” over the attack. Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih said, “I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir today killing at least 40 people. We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected. The Maldives will continue to work with India and the international community to combat terrorism in our region and the world at large.”
The Bollywood fraternity has also condoled the death of the security personnel.
My heart goes out for the Jawans of our beloved country and their families who lost their lives as martyrs to save our families… #YouStandForIndia
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) February 14, 2019
Actor Ranveer Singh called it an act of cowardice. Vicky Kaushal, who starred in Uri: The Surgical Strike condemned the attack and expressed sorrow. Superstar Salman Khan took to Twitter and spoke against terrorism. Actors Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Rishi Kapoor, Anupam Kher also spoke against the attack on Twitter.
Deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of the terror attack in #Pulwama . My heart goes out to the families of the brave CRPF soldiers we lost today and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. ?
— Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) February 14, 2019
Feeling extremely sad and angry. More than 40 @crpfindia jawans martyred. Millions of thoughts in my mind. I hope The govt. deals with the terrorists befittingly. Also time for certain people in our own country who criticise the army to SHUT UP. pic.twitter.com/mZSgExsxQJ
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 14, 2019
