New Delhi, July 17: India has once again accused Pakistan of promoting and supporting cross-border terrorism. The Indian government stated that Pakistan has long utilized terrorism as a tool of state policy.
During a bi-weekly media briefing at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi on Friday, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that the investigation into last year’s Pulwama terrorist attack is still ongoing. This attack was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorist organizations.
In response to a question, Jaiswal said, “The Pulwama attack resulted in the loss of many innocent lives. You have all witnessed the horror of that attack. Our investigative agencies have initiated an inquiry, which is still in progress. As for cross-border terrorism, you are well aware of Pakistan’s longstanding support and assistance. Pakistan has consistently used it as a weapon of state policy.”
The Pulwama attack occurred on April 22, 2025. Terrorists supported by Pakistan targeted victims based on their religion. They even asked some individuals to recite the Islamic Kalma to identify non-Muslims. The attack claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local horseman who was attempting to rescue them. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by a Pakistan-based group, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET), known as ‘The Resistance Front (TRF).’
During the briefing, when asked about statements made by Pakistani leaders supporting Hurriyat leaders while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against them, Jaiswal stated, “Pakistan has no right to comment on India’s internal affairs.”
On July 10, the NIA announced that it had filed a chargesheet against Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah and six other separatist leaders in connection with violence that occurred in Srinagar in 1996.
The NIA has filed charges against six senior leaders of the Hurriyat Conference in a case related to mob violence and indiscriminate firing on police personnel in Srinagar.
The chargesheet includes the names of Kashmiri separatist leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Gani Lone, Mohammad Yaqub Waqeel, Javed Ahmad Mir, and Shakeel Ahmad Bakhshi.
All of them face charges of criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, rioting, and assaulting government officials under relevant sections of the Ranbir Penal Code of 1989. Additionally, they are also charged under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA.
Proceedings against Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Gani Lone, and Mohammad Yaqub Waqeel cannot move forward as they have passed away. However, the chargesheet indicates their involvement in the conspiracy and violence based on the evidence.
The NIA’s investigation revealed that these six accused led the mob during the violence that erupted at the funeral of terrorist Hilal Ahmad Beg, who was killed on July 17, 1996, in the Naz Crossing area of Srinagar, inciting large-scale violence against police personnel.
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