Etawah, May 12 — Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai on Monday raised serious concerns over the sudden ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, questioning the timing and the reported involvement of the United States in brokering the deal.
Speaking to reporters in a village in Etawah after paying tribute to Suraj Singh Yadav, an Indian soldier who died in a Jammu and Kashmir accident on May 8, Rai said, “The entire country is shocked and surprised at the sudden ceasefire. When our army was effectively retaliating and teaching a lesson to the enemy, who gave the US the authority to intervene in this conflict?”
Calls for Clarity from Prime Minister Modi
Rai demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi explain the reasons behind halting military operations at a time when the Indian armed forces were actively responding to terrorist threats.“This was the time to give a strong reply to Pakistan. The entire opposition and the country were united behind the government. What was the compulsion to stop action at such a moment?” Rai questioned.
He also expressed disapproval over the United States President being the first to publicly announce the ceasefire agreement. “Why was the US president the one to disclose the agreement? What role did America play in this decision?” he asked.
Background of Ceasefire Agreement
India and Pakistan agreed on May 10 to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea following four days of cross-border hostilities. The announcement was made by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who stated that the directors general of military operations from both countries reached the understanding during a phone call.The first public mention of the ceasefire, however, came through a social media post by the US President, who claimed that the talks between the two nations were mediated by the United States, raising questions and concerns across political circles in India.
Tribute to Fallen Soldier
While in Etawah, Rai offered floral tributes to the late soldier Suraj Singh Yadav and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. “We are proud of the sacrifice of Suraj Singh. In this hour of grief, we all stand with his family,” he said.Commending the Indian armed forces, Rai added, “Our soldiers taught the terrorists a lesson and destroyed their camps. The morale of our forces must remain high. All 140 crore people of India stand firmly with the armed forces.”
The ceasefire and its international handling have now become a focal point of political debate, with opposition leaders like Rai demanding transparency and accountability from the central government.