At the launch of Abhinav Pandya's book, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed concerns about Canada harboring anti-India sentiments.
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said that Canada has long supported anti-India forces but no country on their behalf. “Freedom of expression” should allow its citizens to threaten Indian representatives in their diplomatic missions.
Union Minister HarperCollins at the launch of the book 'Inside the Terrifying World of Jaish-e-Mohammed' by Dr. Abhinav Pandya, CEO and Founder of Usanas Foundation. “The world and the West have long maintained their dualistic approach to terrorism. But 9/11 changed the entire spectrum and the world woke up to the threats of terrorism and extremism.
Appreciating the author of the book for his excellent work on terrorism and counterterrorism with a focus on Kashmir, Puri said, “The time has come for Indian scholars to read more about security and terrorism and counterterrorism. We are reading Western opinions on this, but I think the author has done a great job in providing details on how terrorism works in Kashmir.
In his speech, Puri highlighted the power dynamics inherent in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which has become a platform for open power struggles.
He further emphasized that India's efforts to designate specific individuals and groups as terrorist organizations are being hampered by countries driven by ulterior motives and their own political agendas. He highlighted the exploitation of democratic freedoms by terrorist groups for funding and patronage, and called for greater vigilance to counter such abuses.
On India-Canada relations, which have gone through their darkest phase for decades, Puri said: “I have seen threats, even physical threats, to people representing India. I have been a victim of some of those threats. I think it is incomprehensible that in the name of freedom of expression, photos of several people shooting or setting fire to effigies are allowed on social networks. All of these acts have a strong symbolic meaning and can endanger the lives of personnel on a diplomatic mission.
Appreciating the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along these lines, he said: “It fills me with pride. A sword is called a sword. I have seen my colleagues being attacked in gurdwaras and in different places. It's incredible to see what's happening, and we're also talking about the rule of law.
The book launch was attended by several dignitaries including diplomats, army generals, academics and prominent journalists. Lt Gen (retd) Syed Atta Hasnain, Amp Lakshmi Puri, Amp KT Dewal, Lt Gen RK Sawhney, IPS Shiv Murari Sahai and Aman Sinha were present among others.
Former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna, in his special remarks, highlighted the importance of paying attention to Islamic practices and said neglecting them would have dire consequences. He also noted that some madrassas are becoming centers of jihad.
'Inside the terrifying world of Jaish-e-Mohammed' is Pandya's third book and four years of extensive fieldwork experience in Jammu and Kashmir. He was also an advisor to Satya Pal Malik, former lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir, during whose tenure Article 370 was abrogated.
