“Where else do you see this?”: TMC Abhishek Banerjee Slams Pakistan’s Complicity in Terror in Singapore Address

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee strongly criticised Pakistan’s continued association with terror groups, while speaking to the Indian diaspora in Singapore as part of an international outreach under Operation Sindoor. He questioned how military officials could be seen publicly paying respects at funerals of internationally designated terrorists, using this as a powerful example to highlight the extent of Pakistan’s alleged state complicity in terrorism.

“You have so much evidence in the public domain where you see high-ranking Pakistani military general officials attending the funeral of labelled terrorists,” said Banerjee. “Where else do you see this? I mean, what else can we offer you as evidence?”

Banerjee, part of a multi-party Indian delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, called upon the global Indian community to spread awareness and utilise social media to counter misinformation and amplify India’s narrative on the global stage.

“Twitter threads travel faster than diplomatic cables. We need to up our ante as well,” he urged, emphasising the “pivotal role” social media plays in shaping public opinion and international discourse.

The TMC MP also took the opportunity to address concerns around political unity on matters of national security. While known for his outspoken criticism of the central government on domestic political issues, Banerjee reaffirmed his commitment to the country’s security and sovereignty.

“A lot of people, especially those who don't follow politics closely, wonder what the opposition's stand would be on matters of national security,” he said. “Where I might differ with the ruling dispensation or the political party, I will fight with them tooth and nail. But when it comes to the national security of my country, I will stand firmly and serve towards what is in the best interest of my nation. I will not let my political interests come in the way of my national interest.”

The all-party delegation includes representatives from across the political spectrum: BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lala, Pradan Baruah, and Hemang Joshi; CPI(M) MP John Brittas; former Union Minister Salman Khurshid; and former diplomat Mohan Kumar.

Their mission is to engage with India’s international partners and present the country’s position on terrorism in light of the recent escalation following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including many tourists.

In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, a targeted military operation that struck nine terrorist bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The offensive was aimed at dismantling infrastructure linked to groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Described as a “calculated and focused” counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor has become a focal point of India’s diplomatic engagement, as New Delhi seeks broader international recognition of the threat posed by cross-border terrorism.