U.S. lawmakers, U.N. Secretary General condemn Pulwama terror attack

State Department, politicians also condemn attack that killed over 35 CRPF personnel when an explosive-laden SUV, driven by a suicide bomber, rammed into a CRPF convoy of about 70 vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir

The United States has condemned, “in the strongest terms” the terrorist attack on the Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The United States is resolutely committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all its forms,” State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“The UN designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad has claimed responsibility for this heinous act. We call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists,” the statement said.

The U.N Secretary General’s office has also strongly condemned the attack. ”We call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice,” a UN Spokesperson for Secretary General António Guterres said.

 

Several U.S. lawmakers condemned the attack on Thursday afternoon that killed at least 37 CRPF personnel when an explosive-laden SUV, driven by a suicide bomber, rammed into a CRPF convoy of about 70 vehicles. Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) took responsibility for the attack and released a photo identifying the suicide bomber.

“We stand with the people of India in condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, and send our condolences and prayers to the victims [sic] families. We must all stand up against these jihadists and their ideology,” Democratic Congresswoman and Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard said.

Condemning the attack, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel said, “Countries must not allow terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed to operate with impunity.”

“The United States stands strongly with India and I send my condolences to the families of the victims,” Congressman Tom Suozzi whose Congressional district in New York City (Queens) has a significant Indian population, said.

Congressman George Holding, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus for India and Indian Americans also offered his condolences. “The United States stands with the good people of India and the Indian government in our collective effort to end violent extremism and terrorism.”

Indian American Members of Congress also conveyed their condolences with Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal calling the attack “heartbreaking” and her colleague, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, saying, “We must all stand united against terrorism.”