All countries should uphold responsibility to deny safe haven to terrorists, says US after Pulwama attack

Hours after the suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama claimed lives of over 40 CRPF men, the world has spoken in one voice and has united behind India. 

The US state department while condemning the attack, called "on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists." 

The Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad has claimed responsibility for the act. 

Chairman of the US House foreign affairs committee Eliot Engel said "countries must not allow terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed to operate with impunity".

A close ally of India, UAE's foreign ministry in a statement said that the country "stands in solidarity with the government and people of India in their fight against violence and extremism".

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi while offering condolences, "as a country that has been a victim of terrorism and has taken major and effective steps to root out terrorist groups in the West Asia region.. we believe using such bloody and inhumane methods by any group and with any motive and under any name as unacceptable."

Australian foreign minister Marise Payne tweeted, "We extend our deepest sympathies to those killed and injured, their families and the people of India."

"We stand with India in the fight against terrorism," it added.

This is the worst attack in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 20 years.

In a message to President Kovind and Prime minister Modi, the Russian President said,"Perpetrators and sponsors of this attack, should be punished,"adding,"I would like to confirm the readiness for the further strengthening of counterterrorism cooperation with our Indian partners."

Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reacting to the terror attack said,"call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice".

India's neighbours - Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Maldives - condemned the attack. Nepal's PM KP Sharma Oli was the first foriegn leader to call on Prime Minister Modi while Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid wrote to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

Pakistan's flip flop

Meanwhile, Pakistan rejected India's concerns after New Delhi called on the country "stop supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from their territory and dismantle the infrastructure operated".

The foreign ministry of Pakistan said, "We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the state of Pakistan without investigations."

Interestingly, Pakistan issued two press releases in a span of fifteen minutes. The second release had minor changes such as replacing "Kashmir" with "Jammu and Kashmir".

Without taking China's name India called on the member of the "International community" to list Jaish-e-Mohammed Chief Masood Azhar under 1267 sanctions committee of United Nation security council (UNSC).

Bejing has repeatedly blocked listing of Masood Azhar as an internationally designated terrorist under the UNSC 1267 Committee.