India accuses OIC of "wilful blindness", failing to distinguish between terror's victim and perpetrator

BJP Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb launched a strong diplomatic attack on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the United Nations, accusing the group of taking a one-sided approach to terrorism and overlooking Pakistan's alleged support for terror networks. Speaking during a session of the UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee on measures to eliminate international terrorism, Deb criticised remarks made by the OIC chair concerning India's counter-terrorism operations against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Responding to the OIC's comments, Deb said India had acted in a targeted and measured manner against terrorist facilities from which attacks on the country had been planned and coordinated. He accused the OIC representative of failing to distinguish between those responsible for terrorism and the country facing its consequences.

Deb asserted that India has the right to defend its citizens against cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan and warned that involvement in terrorist activities would carry consequences. The BJP MP, who represents West Tripura, said India's experience over the years has demonstrated that terrorism is not an abstract international security concern but a continuing threat with direct consequences for ordinary people.

Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, in which 26 people were killed, Deb said the incident demonstrated the dangers posed by terrorist groups operating with alleged support and safe havens across India's western border. He described the attack as a deliberate assault on India's sovereignty and stressed that attacks targeting civilians could not be justified.

Deb also reiterated India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, saying that the loss of even one innocent life is unacceptable. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly maintained that India cannot accept attacks on its citizens. The BJP leader also rejected the OIC's remarks concerning Jammu and Kashmir, turning the focus towards Pakistan's administration of areas under its control. He urged the OIC to pay attention to allegations of violence, suppression and violations of basic rights in Pakistan-occupied territories.

Referring specifically to Rawalakot, Deb alleged that violence and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the region deserved greater international attention. He accused the OIC of ignoring such developments while criticising India's counter-terrorism measures. Deb's remarks at the UN came amid India's continuing diplomatic efforts to highlight cross-border terrorism and challenge international statements that New Delhi considers biased towards Pakistan. His intervention also underscored India's broader position that international organisations should adopt a consistent approach towards terrorism rather than selectively criticising countries defending themselves against terrorist attacks.