Sachin Pilot Urges Special Parliament Session, All-Party Meet on Kashmir Developments
New Delhi, May 11 – The Congress on Sunday sharply questioned the Indian government’s stance on possible third-party mediation in Kashmir, following an unexpected ceasefire announcement made by the United States on behalf of both India and Pakistan. The party demanded a clear explanation from the Centre and criticized what it called an attempt to internationalise a bilateral issue.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Congress General Secretary Sachin Pilot expressed surprise over the ceasefire declaration made via social media by US President Donald Trump. He noted that this was the first time a foreign nation had announced a decision involving India and Pakistan, raising concerns over the "hyphenation" of the two countries by external powers.
"Government Must Clarify Stand," Says Pilot
Pilot urged the Modi-led government to immediately convene an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister and to call a special session of Parliament to deliberate on the current developments.“We were all surprised after the US President's social media post announcing a ceasefire. This is a serious issue where attempts are being made to internationalise a strictly bilateral matter,” Pilot said, adding that the nation and political leadership deserve to be taken into confidence.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had announced on Saturday that India and Pakistan had agreed to cease all military actions across land, air, and sea immediately.
Questions Raised Over Terms and Credibility
Pilot pressed the government to clarify the conditions under which the ceasefire was agreed and questioned its credibility, especially in light of ceasefire violations that reportedly occurred after the announcement.“What is the assurance that such ceasefire violations won’t recur? What conditions were laid down, and how can we trust the same after the previous day's incidents?” he asked.
He also highlighted statements by the US President, Vice President, and Secretary of State, which he said appeared to indicate a mediatory role, especially with references to Kashmir and proposed neutral-site talks.
Reiterating Kashmir as a Bilateral Issue
Pilot reiterated that Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and slammed any foreign involvement, including that of the US.“In 1994, a unanimous resolution was passed in Parliament asserting India’s claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It is time to repeat that message loud and clear. No third party, including the US, should be allowed any space in this issue,” he stated.
He added that India’s foreign policy has always opposed mediation, a position that must remain unchanged.
Salutes Armed Forces, Stresses Unity
While voicing concern over the government’s diplomatic handling, Pilot praised the Indian Armed Forces for their response following the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that all political parties and citizens stand united behind the military.He recalled how, during the 1971 war, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi pursued the national interest despite US pressure, including the deployment of the Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal.
“The government of that time demonstrated supreme courage. We must now act in a similarly decisive and unified manner,” he said.
Pilot concluded by calling for transparency and consensus in handling such sensitive developments, warning that internationalising Kashmir would set a dangerous precedent for the future.