Pulwama terror strike \'matter of grave concern\'\, says Pakistan as it rejects link to attack

Pulwama terror strike 'matter of grave concern', says Pakistan as it rejects link to attack

Press Trust of India  |  Islamabad 

on Thursday said the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's 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 attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's three decades of militancy, a suicide bomber from the (JeM) group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in district on Thursday, killing at least 39 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.

Attack in in is "a matter of grave concern", the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Asserting that 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, said, "We have always condemned heightened acts of violence in Valley."

Meanwhile, slammed Pakistan over the Pulwama attack and asked the neighbouring country to stop supporting terrorists and dismantle operating from its soil.

also strongly reiterated its appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including Masood Azhar, as a designated terrorist under the 1267 of the UN Security Council, and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan.

The condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly terrorist attack on India's brave security forces in Pulwama, the 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 to operate and expand his in territories under Pakistan's control and to carry out attacks in 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, and asserting that they stand with India in combating the menace of

"The strongly condemns today's terrorist attack in Jammu & We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims," US to India 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 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 statement said.

French to India said most firmly condemns the heinous attack perpetrated in

"has always been and always will be by India's side in the fight against in all its forms," he said.

strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack, saying stands by its strategic partner India.

Australia, Turkey, and also condemned the horrific terror attack.

India's neighbours Bangladesh, Bhutan, and 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 will continue to work with India and the international community to combat terrorism in our region and the world at large," Maldivian said.

Sheikh Hasina, in a message through the country's 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 of the horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir. strongly condemns terrorist attack of any nature. Our prayers are with the grieved family and we are following the situation closely," Bhutanese said.

Sri Lankan 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 also "strongly" condemned the terror attack, calling for those behind the attack to be brought to justice.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Fri, February 15 2019. 01:40 IST