NEW DELHI: In a sharply critical press conference today, Congress leader Sachin Pilot raised questions about the Indian government’s acceptance of a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump in the past 24 hours. Pilot called this a “new and surprising step” and stressed the gravity of the situation, stating that it was unprecedented for a US president to announce such a ceasefire via social media.
Highlight Quotes:
“The situation has changed rapidly in the past 24 hours. We were all surprised when the ceasefire was announced by the US President. This might be the first time that such a ceasefire was declared via social media by the President of the United States. We must also pay attention to what he posted on his social media account.”
“The attempt to internationalize the issue between India and Pakistan is a new and surprising step.”
“I believe it is time to reiterate that 1994 resolution.”
“We clearly stated that the attack in Pahalgam was an attack on the soul of India, and a strong response was necessary. We are proud of our armed forces for their actions and for the precision with which they targeted terrorist bases.”
“Was this mediation accepted by the Government of India? Under what conditions did the US make such a declaration? This raises a big question.”
“This situation is highly unusual. We have also seen former generals of the Indian Army making statements, which deserve attention. Despite the ceasefire announcement, violations continued on the border, which damages the credibility of the ceasefire.”
“In the past two meetings, the Prime Minister did not attend. This time, he should be present and take all parties into confidence.”
“We should clearly state that there will be no third-party involvement. It is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, and no country, including the United States, should interfere.”
Pilot also pointed out the potential internationalization of the Kashmir issue, which he deemed problematic. He remarked, “The attempt to internationalize the issue between India and Pakistan is a new and surprising step.”
Asserting that the Congress party has long called for a special session of Parliament, Pilot reminded the media of the 1994 resolution passed by Parliament during the Congress government, which reaffirmed India’s commitment to reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“I believe it is time to reiterate that 1994 resolution,” he added.
While acknowledging the historic and unanimous support the Indian government received from all quarters following the attack in Pahalgam, Pilot was critical of the timing and circumstances of the ceasefire announcement. He noted that the Indian government’s response to the terrorist attack was robust, highlighting the precision of the Indian armed forces’ actions.
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However, Pilot’s biggest concern lay with the ceasefire announcement, raising questions about whether the Indian government had consented to US mediation and under what conditions. The Congress leader also drew attention to the statement by US Secretary of State, which mentioned Kashmir, calling it a “serious matter.”
The press conference took a more critical turn as Pilot highlighted the continuing border violations despite the ceasefire, undermining its credibility.
In a call for greater political unity and transparency, Pilot urged the Government of India to convene an all-party meeting.
“In the past two meetings, the Prime Minister did not attend. This time, he should be present and take all parties into confidence,” Pilot said.
He also insisted that a special session of Parliament be called, reaffirming the 1994 resolution on PoK and ensuring that no third-party involvement occurs in the Kashmir issue.
