India calls out Pakistan's state funerals for terrorists

In the latest tensions between India and Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri discussed Pakistan's connections to terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed during a media briefing on May 5, 2025, in New Delhi. This briefing followed India's launch of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir after a brutal attack on civilians in Pahalgam on April 22, claiming 26 lives. Misri highlighted the oddity of state funerals for those labeled as terrorists occurring in Pakistan, often attended by military officials, suggesting this contradicts Pakistan's claims that these individuals were civilians. The Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, supported Misri's statements, emphasizing the long-standing issue of Pakistan harboring terrorism and the necessity for international pressure to dismantle terror infrastructure within Pakistan. He showcased images of terrorists' funerals attended by Pakistani military personnel as evidence. Doraiswami traced the escalation of hostilities back to the attack on April 22, stating that such actions by Pakistan-backed terror groups have led to India's precise military response aimed at targeting terrorist infrastructure, not civilian areas. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Misri also dismissed Pakistani claims of downing Indian fighter jets as misinformation, asserting India's operations were non-escalatory and strictly targeted at militants. He reiterated that actions taken by India in retaliation were necessary to prevent further terrorist acts. The military tension heightened as both nations exchanged fire, which has led to casualties on both sides. Paralleling Misri's sentiments, the Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra confirmed India’s commitment to combating terrorism while maintaining a strategic approach to avoid escalating full-scale war with Pakistan. The statements from Indian officials reveal growing frustrations over perceived inaction from the international community concerning Pakistan’s threats and terrors. Misri's remarks about state funerals underscore the controversy surrounding the recognition of terrorists in Pakistan, raising questions about the country’s narrative around state-sponsored activities. The dynamics between India and Pakistan remain fraught, as each side prepares for potential escalations while attempting to respond to ongoing provocations.