The United States has once again condemned the terrorist attack in Indian Jammu and Kashmir, but remained silent on whether it has played any mediatory role in easing tensions between Pakistan and India.
During a press briefing at the State Department, spokesperson Tammy Bruce said: “The United States stands with India [and] strongly condemns all acts of terrorism.”
“We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice,” the State Department spokesperson said.
To answer a question about President Trump’s first term, when he offered to make peace between Pakistan and India, Bruce said: ” I’m not going to be remarking on it. I will say nothing more on that situation. ”
“The president and secretary said some things. They made their positions clear. I will not continue with something of that manner.”
To another question about playing a role in trying to defuse tension between India and Pakistan, Bruce said: “It’s a rapidly changing situation and we are monitoring it closely. And we, of course, are not now taking a position on the status of Kashmir or Jammu either.
Suspected militants opened fire in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist attraction in IOJK’s Pahalgam area, on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people and wounding several others before fleeing into the surrounding pine forests.
Indian officials say Tuesday’s attack had “cross-border linkages”. Police, in notices , identified three people “involved” in the violence. However, India has not elaborated on the links or shared proof.
Pakistan said India’s accusations were made without any “credible investigation” or “verifiable evidence”, saying they are “frivolous” and “devoid of rationality”.
In response, both countries have closed the only open land border they share and suspended special South Asian visas that enabled people to travel between them.
