Just Inflammatory Rhetoric: Tharoor on Bilawal Bhutto’s Remark
The ongoing saga between India and Pakistan has taken yet another turn with Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto’s provocative remark on India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. The treaty, which was signed in 1960, regulates the flow of water from rivers that flow from India to Pakistan. The suspension of the treaty was a response to the recent Pahalgam attack in which three Indian soldiers were killed.
In a statement, Bilawal Bhutto, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), described India’s decision as “a cruel and inhuman act”. He further stated that India’s actions would have “grave consequences” for the people of Pakistan.
However, not everyone was impressed with Bhutto’s remarks. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was quick to respond, calling Bhutto’s statement “just inflammatory rhetoric”. In an interview, Tharoor said, “Pakistanis have to understand they simply cannot kill Indians with impunity. If blood is going to flow, it will flow possibly more on their side.”
Tharoor’s response was sparked by Bhutto’s assertion that India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty was a “cruel and inhuman act”. Tharoor argued that Bhutto’s statement was a clear attempt to deflect attention from the real issue at hand, which is the continued terrorism and violence perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups against India.
The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian soldiers, was a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by such groups. Tharoor emphasized that India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty was a necessary step to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Tharoor’s comments are a stark reminder of the fraught relationship between India and Pakistan. The two countries have a long history of conflict and tension, which has only intensified in recent years. The ongoing Kashmir dispute, which has been a major point of contention between the two countries, has led to increased tensions and violence.
In recent months, there have been several incidents of cross-border firing and shelling, which have resulted in the deaths of civilians on both sides. The situation has been further exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has put a strain on the healthcare systems of both countries.
Despite the challenges, there are still those who believe that dialogue and diplomacy can help to resolve the issues between India and Pakistan. In an interview, former Indian foreign secretary Shyam Saran said, “We need to engage with Pakistan, but we also need to make it clear that we will not tolerate any kind of violence or terrorism against our citizens.”
The question remains, however, whether Pakistan is willing to take concrete steps to address India’s concerns. Until then, the situation is likely to remain volatile and unstable.
In conclusion, Bilawal Bhutto’s remark was nothing more than “just inflammatory rhetoric”. Tharoor’s response was a much-needed reality check, emphasizing that Pakistan’s actions must be taken seriously and that the country cannot continue to perpetuate violence and terrorism against India with impunity. The situation between India and Pakistan is complex and multifaceted, and it will require a sustained and concerted effort to resolve the issues and move forward.
News Source: https://x.com/ANI/status/1916418005182845244
