* Russia * US * Israel * Bangladesh * Bhutan * Nepal * Sri Lanka * Maldives "We denounce terrorism in all its forms and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with a decisive and collective response without any double standards. We express condolences to families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to injured: The embassy of the Russian Federation.“The US Mission in India strongly condemns today's terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir . We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The US stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it: Ambassador to India Ken Juster.Israel strongly condemns the terror attack in Pulwama and stands by our Indian friends during this difficult hour. We send our deepest condolences to the CPRF and their families, the people of India and the Indian government following the terrible: Ambassador to IndiaAt this sad moment, we stand by the people and govt of India. We offer was condolences to the members of the families who lost their dear ones. Our thoughts and prayers are speedy recovery of those who got injured: PM Sheikh HasinaShocked and saddened to hear of the terror attack in Kashmir. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and express our solidarity with families of the victims and the Government of India. Hope perpetrators will be brought to justice: Foreign minister Tandi DorjiPrime Minister KP Sharma Oli spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed condolences, concern and condemnation over the Pulwama attack 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 Narendra Modi and the families of police officers who lost their lives: PM Ranil WickremesingheI strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in 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: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih<doc-sep>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to discuss the situation arising after the Pulwama terror attack. (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to discuss the situation arising after the Pulwama terror attack. (PTI) Following the Pulwama terror attack, India launched an all-out diplomatic effort to isolate Pakistan on global platforms. India also scrapped concessions it made to Pakistan in terms of trade, immediately revoking the Most Favoured Nation status and hiking excise duty on imports by 200 per cent. At least 40 soldiers of the CRPF were killed when a Jaishe-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle in the bus ferrying jawans on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Thursday. The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying over 2,500 paramilitary personnel to Kashmir from Jammu. Most of them were joining duty after coming back from leave. Here are the steps that the government has taken so far in response to the attack. Watch | 72 hours on, how India is responding to Pakistan India apprises P5 nations of the attack, garners unanimous support Hours after the suicide bomber attack, claimed by Pakistan based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), India held meetings with 25 countries including the P5 nations US, China, Russia, the UK and France briefing them on the attack and the role of Pakistan in using terrorism as a state policy. The meeting was headed by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, who met with the representatives of various countries demanding them to cease all support to Pakistan. As reported by The Indian Express, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said, “India highlighted the role played by Pakistan in using terrorism as an instrument of its state policy.” They also said that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will continue to take all steps to expose the complicity of Pakistan in the Pulwama terrorist attack and demand immediate and verifiable action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and its leader Masood Azhar. Also Read | Did not refuse air transit facility for CRPF jawans, MHA clarifies While Russia, the UK, France and other countries condemned the attack, the United States took on Pakistan saying that the attack only strengthens the resolve to bolster counterterrorism cooperation and coordination between the US and India. The US also called on Pakistan “to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region.” Meanwhile, China which has been blocking India’s attempt of taking action against Azhar remained silent on Pakistan which is its closest ally in South Asia. Tricolour draped coffins of the CRPF personnel, who lost their lives in Thursday’s Pulwama terror attack, during the wreath-laying ceremony at the CRPF camp in Budgam, Friday. (PTI Photo) Tricolour draped coffins of the CRPF personnel, who lost their lives in Thursday’s Pulwama terror attack, during the wreath-laying ceremony at the CRPF camp in Budgam, Friday. (PTI Photo) India revokes Pak’s MFN status, hikes customs duty on import by 200% Hours after Arun Jaitley took charge of the Finance Ministry on Friday, the nation was vying for a strong response to Pakistan over the ghastly attack. A decision was taken in the meeting of CCS chaired by PM Modi to revoke the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status bestowed on Pakistan since 1996. Briefing the media after the CCS meeting, Jaitley expressed that the MEA will go all out to isolate Pakistan for executing the attack. “The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will initiate all possible diplomatic steps which are to be taken to ensure the complete isolation from the international community of Pakistan of which incontrovertible is available of having a direct hand in this act,” Jaitley said, adding that it will withdraw the MNF status granted to the neighbouring country in 1996. Despite minuscule trading figures between the two countries, trade relations grew over the years. In FY17, India-Pakistan trade was a mere $2.29 billion, or about 0.35% of India’s overall trade. India has withdrawn MFN status to Pakistan after the Pulwama incident. Upon withdrawal, basic customs duty on all goods exported from Pakistan to India has been raised to 200% with immediate effect. #Pulwama — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) February 16, 2019 On Saturday, India went a step ahead in directly squeezing Pakistan’s exports to India by introducing a 200 per cent hike in customs duty on all goods. “India has withdrawn MFN status to Pakistan after the Pulwama incident. Upon withdrawal, basic customs duty on all goods exported from Pakistan to India has been raised to 200% with immediate effect,” Jaitley tweeted. The two main items imported from Pakistan are fruits and cement, on which the current customs duty is 30-50 per cent and 7.5 per cent, respectively. In April-November, India’s imports from Pakistan stood at about $381 million compared with $488.5 million in FY18 with fruit and nuts, gypsum, sulphur, mineral oils and cement as the major items of import. [ie_backquote quote=”This is the time for mourning and to show restraint and sensitivity. I want to assure each family who lost their loved one that each drop of tear will be avenged” cite=”PM Narendra Modi”] Security of separatist leaders withdrawn Amid a growing demand and public pressure calling for a withdrawal of security cover of Separatists leaders, the government on Sunday issued orders removing the security details of five such leaders in the valley. Besides the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the security cover of Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi, Fazal Haq Qureshi and Shabir Shah has been withdrawn. While there was no categorisation of security for these leaders, the state government in consultation with the Centre had provided them ad hoc security, keeping in mind the threat to their lives from some militant groups.<doc-sep>* Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our… https://t.co/QaTBqQrojk — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1550150217000 * Ram Nath Kovind, President * Venkaiah Naidu , vice president Shocked by the dastardly terrorist attack in which CRPF personnel were martyred. My heartfelt condolences to bereav… https://t.co/NQANQNmbzV — VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) 1550145615000 * Rajnath Singh, Union home minister HM also spoke to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, DG CRPF and the Home Secretary regarding the Pulwama attack. Th… https://t.co/iBuOAwTq0K — गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) 1550148619000 * Arun Jaitley, Union minister * Piyush Goyal, Union finance minister Deeply saddened by news of the IED blast in #Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir in which our brave CRPF Jawans have been mart… https://t.co/IgfTkWz8ey — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) 1550148029000 * Jammu and Kashmir Bhawan PRO Read also: Pulwama terror attack updates * Rahul Gandhi, Congress president I’m deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack on a #CRPF convoy in J&K in which many of our brave CRPF men have been… https://t.co/n8ujUkzhvS — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) 1550147993000 * Amit Shah, BJP president * Sambit Patra, BJP spokesperson * Randeep S Surjewala, Congress * Mohan Bhagwat, RSS chief * Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh chief minister * Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister Saddened that 13 CRPF jawans became martyrs today in Pulwama. We salute our brave jawans and extend our solidarity… https://t.co/prSfhBJNTn — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) 1550144995000 * Naveen Patnaik, Odisha chief minister Deeply saddened by the martyrdom of so many @crpfindia #jawans in terrorist attack in #Pulwama district of… https://t.co/eMID2ijIGv — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) 1550144597000 * Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi chief minister * Omar Abdullah, National Conference * Mehbooba Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party Terror attack in Pulwama evokes strong reactions amongst political leaders Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly.Strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pulwama, J&K. Thoughts and prayers with the families of martyrs and wishing an early recovery to those injured. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil #PresidentKovindShocked by the dastardly terrorist attack in which CRPF personnel were martyred. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured.Today’s dastardly attack on crpf in Pulwama (J&K) is extremely painful and disturbing. I bow to each and every CRPF jawan who has sacrificed his life in service to the nation. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The attack was carried out by Pakistan backed Jaish e Mohammed. A strong reply will be given and I assure the people of the country this.Attack on CRPF in #Pulwama, J&K is a cowardice & condemnable act of terrorists. Nation salutes martyred soldiers and we all stand united with families of martyrs. We pray for speedy recovery of the injured. Terrorists will be given unforgettable lesson for their heinous act.Deeply saddened by news of the IED blast in #Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir in which our brave CRPF Jawans have been martyred. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with our injured Jawans to recover soon.Governor Satyapal Malik observed forces responsible for the insurgency in J&K are desperate and frustrated and just want to prove presence. Visibly, it seems to be guided from across border as Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility.The Governor has urged all the Security Forces Commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and directed the District and Divisional Civil and Police Administration to immediately review the security management of all important installations and establishments.I’m deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack on a #CRPF convoy in J&K in which 10 of our brave men have been martyred and many others wounded. My condolences to the families of our martyrs. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.Pained beyond words by the terror attack on our soldiers in Pulwama (J&K). It is an act of cowardice. My deepest condolences are with the families of our soldiers who have lost their lives. Our forces will remain firm against such acts of terror and defeat them.Such a dastardly attack by Pakistan sponsored terrorists on @crpfindia Jawans in Kashmir. This indeed exposes frustration of Pak & terrorists on #OperationAllOut. My condolence with families who lost their loved ones & Prayers for the fast recovery of the injured Jawans! जय हिंद।Condemn the cowardly terror attack on our jawans in Pulwama, J&K today. Our homage to the 18 brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice & condolences to their family. Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama- the terror list & compromise of National Security by Modi Govt continues unabated.It is a cowardly act, we strongly condemn it. We expect action in response to this incident. We have tolerated a lot and are still doing so, as seen from today's incident. They will get a reply (to the attack).We condemn this cowardly terror attack. This is a crime against humanity. The sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. The entire nation should condemn this and support Indian govt's fight against terrorism.Saddened that 13 CRPF jawans became martyrs today in Pulwama. We salute our brave jawans and extend our solidarity and condolences to their families. Our prayers for those injured. We wish them a speedy recovery. "Extremely shocking news coming from Pulwama (J&K). I strongly condemn the terror attack on CRPF convoy in which many casualties are feared. India must stand united in this moment of grief. "Terrible news coming from the valley. A number of CRPF soldiers are reported to have been killed & injured in an IED blast. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved. Jaish has claimed the blast as a suicide (fidaeen) attack reminiscent of the dark days of militancy pre 2004-05.Disturbing news coming in from #awantipura. Twelve of our security personnel have been martyred and several have been injured.<doc-sep>ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has denied having any role in the suicide attack in Kashmir carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammed, a terrorist organisation believed to be based on Pakistani soil. Following Thursday’s attack in Pulwama, Islamabad rejected any allegation linking the attack to Pakistan without any evidence. India, however, strongly believes that the deadly suicide attack on it troops was the handiwork of Pakistan. The presence of Jaish chief Maulana Masood Azhar , reportedly in Bahawalpur region of Pakistan’s Punjab province, gives credence to the Indian government and media’s claims that Pakistan has long given safe haven to Jaish-e-Muhammed militants and accused it of having a “direct hand” in the Pulwama attack that left 44 CRPF troops dead. India has demanded Masood Azhar’s extradition a number of times but Islamabad has always refused citing lack of evidence. “The attack in Pulwama is a matter of grave concern. We have always condemned acts of violence anywhere in the world,” Dr Muhammad Faisal, the Pakistan foreign office spokesperson, said in a tweet on Friday. “We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian media and government that seek to link the attack to Pakistan without investigations,” he asserted. A mixed sort of reaction was seen on social media and TV channels in Pakistan regarding the attack in the Kashmir valley and the Indian government and media’s response towards it. “2 terror attacks in Pakistan’s 2 neighbours (Iran and India) this week, 2 Pak based militant outfits (jaish-ul-Adl & JeM) accepted responsibility for the attacks. Isn’t the tail still wagging the dog? Who will believe Pak claims with LeT, JeM & “good Taliban” operating unhindered? … (sic)” tweeted Afrasiab Khattak, a prominent Pakistani politician, human rights activist and former senator. Sherry Rehman, a Pakistani senator and former ambassador to the US, said Modi’s India was escalating its response to a heinous terror attack in Kashmir by premising Pakistan’s hand in it. “Yet Islamabad makes no gains from such an attack. Instead of a political response to years of brutal repression in Kashmir, hysteria is being amplified against Pakistan,” Rehman said in a tweet. Facebook Twitter Linkedin EMail<doc-sep>
Pakistan on Thursday said the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district is “a matter of grave concern” even as it strongly rejected Indian media and government’s allegations of the country’s link to the strike “without” probe. In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir’s three decades of militancy, a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing at least 39 personnel and leaving many critically wounded. Attack in Pulwama in Kashmir is “a matter of grave concern”, the Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement. Watch | ‘Big mistake’: PM Modi’s stern warning to terror outfits Asserting that Pakistan has “always condemned acts of violence” anywhere in the world, it said, “We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian media and government that seek to link the attack to Pakistan without investigations.” In a tweet, FO spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said, “We have always condemned heightened acts of violence in Valley.” Meanwhile, India slammed Pakistan over the Pulwama terror attack and asked the neighbouring country to stop supporting terrorists and dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil. India also strongly reiterated its appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including JeM chief Masood Azhar, as a designated terrorist under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan. The Indian government condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly terrorist attack on India’s brave security forces in Pulwama, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. This heinous and despicable act has been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation proscribed by the UN and other countries, it said. This terror group is led by the international terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by the Pakistani government to operate and expand his terror infrastructure in territories under Pakistan’s control and to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere with impunity, the MEA said. Countries from across the globe also condemned the terror attack in Pulwama, with global leaders like the US, Russia and France asserting that they stand with India in combating the menace of terrorism. “The US Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster tweeted. Russia, while condemning the terror attack, stressed the need to combat such “inhuman acts” with decisive and collective response without any double standards. “We denounce terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with decisive and collective response without any double standards,” a Russian Embassy statement said. French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler said France most firmly condemns the heinous attack perpetrated in Jammu and Kashmir. “France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms,” he said. Germany strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack, saying stands by its strategic partner India. Australia, Turkey, Canada and Czech Republic also condemned the horrific terror attack. India’s neighbours Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives also expressed solidarity and vowed to combat the menace of terrorism jointly. “I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in 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,” Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih said. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a message through the country’s High Commission in New Delhi said her country remains steadfast in its commitment against terrorism of all forms and manifestations and maintains a zero tolerance policy against any kind of terrorist activities. “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,” Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena expressed sadness over the dastardly terror attack, saying the world must condemn such brutal terrorist attacks and take effective action to prevent such incidents in future. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also “strongly” condemned the terror attack, calling for those behind the attack to be brought to justice.