Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy Clarifies After Alleged Anti-India Remarks on Pulwama Attack
The top JD(S) leader said he did not blame India for the terrorism crisis in the region, but only pitched for making the 'country stronger'.
Bengaluru, February 20: Charged of adopting an anti-India stance on Pulwama terror attack by a private news channel, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy struck back accusing the media outlet of "misinterpreting and misquoting" his statement. The top JD(S) leader said he did not blame India for the terrorism crisis in the region, but only pitched for making the "country stronger".
Kumaraswamy on Tuesday took to Twitter to clarify, after Times Now played his footage speaking to regional media, along with news tickers which read: "HDK blames India for terrorism crisis"; "Karnataka CM refuses to condemn Pak". Imran Khan Asking For Proof to Probe Pakistan's Role is Lame Excuse, Says MEA.
Reacting strongly to the channel's report, Kumaraswamy took to Twitter to mark his dissent. "I did not blame India; I said that along with destroying the enemies we also need to make our country stronger," he said.
Here's what the Karnataka CM tweeted:
The terror strike on February 14 in Pulwama had claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was orchestrated and coordinated by Pakistan-based extremist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is also responsible for the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001 and the Pathankot airbase in 2016.
The Narendra Modi government has marked its strong dissent against Pakistan, and is pursuing diplomatic channels to expose Islamabad before the international community. The Pakistani government, however, has denied any role in the fidayeen strike. Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked New Delhi to share "actionable evidence" to support its claim that Pakistani militant groups were involved in the attack. India struck back, saying that JeM has already issued statements claiming responsibility of the terrorist attack.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2019 05:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).