Pulwama attack ‘horrible’, says Trump

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has described as “horrible” the deadly attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama, as his administration offered full support to India to combat militancy and asked Islamabad to punish anyone responsible for the “heinous act”.

The suicide attack on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama has left 49 Central Reserve Police Force personnel dead and led to escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be “wonderful” if the two South Asia neighbours get along.

“I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along,” Trump said in response to a question.

“That (the militant attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out,” Trump said.

At a separate news conference, the State Department said the US had been in close communication with the Indian government “to express not only our condolences but our strong support”.

“We’re committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all of its forms,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson, Robert Palladino told reporters at a news conference.

“The perpetrator of that heinous act claimed allegiance to the United Nations-designated, Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and we call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists,” Palladino said.

The US had a close, cooperative relationship with India, a security relationship, and that includes counter-terrorism operations, he said.

“So we are committed to working with India, the Indian government, and on these counter-terrorism efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including at the United Nations,” Palladino said in response to a question. He said the US had been in contact with Pakistan on the issue.

“We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible,” he said.

Following the terrorist attack, Trump’s National Security Advisor John Bolton has supported India’s right to self-defence. (PTI)