congress MP Anto Antony clarifies stance on Pakistan’s involvement in Pulwama attack
Published on: March 14, 2024.
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Facing Criticism, Congress MP Clarifies Controversial Remarks on Pulwama Attack
Congress MP Anto Antony has addressed the intense criticism he faced after making controversial allegations against the BJP regarding the 2019 Pulwama attack. Antony clarified that he did not say Pakistan had no role in the attack during his press conference in Pathanamthitta on Wednesday, March 13. Speaking to a TV channel, Antony explained that reporters had asked about Pakistan’s role, but he did not express any opinion on the matter.
During the press conference, a reporter raised the issue of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pulwama attack, to which Antony responded sharply, questioning, “What involvement did Pakistan have in the Pulwama blast?” He believes his response was misinterpreted by those present according to their self-interest and intelligence. Antony also pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik had publicly stated that the sacrifice of the CRPF jawans in the attack was used for political gains, and he agreed with Malik’s statement.
The BJP, however, demanded that Antony be charged with sedition and arrested, claiming that his remarks insulted the country by denying Pakistan’s role in the Pulwama terror attack. In response, Antony argued that he had only stated that those in power would go to any extent for political gains. He stood by his initial statement, emphasizing that the sacrifice of the CRPF personnel should not be politicized.
The Pulwama attack occurred on February 14, 2019, when a convoy of vehicles carrying CRPF personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was targeted by a suicide bomber in a vehicle in Pulwama district. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel.
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