Top US lawmakers rally behind India over Pulwama attack

(Surjit Dhal Washington, Feb 16): Describing the Pulwama terrorist attack as a despicable act of violence, top US lawmakers have rallied behind India’s effort to fight terrorism and said that such heinous crimes will not weaken the resolve of its people.

                So far, more than 70 American lawmakers including 15 Senators have condemned the attack.

                At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

                The “terrorist attack against Indian paramilitary police is a despicable act of violence, however, I know it will not weaken the resolve of the Indian people,” said Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate India Caucus.

                “The American people and the American government stand fully behind our ally India and their fight to defend their democracy and end the threat of violent extremism,” he said.

                As a member of the Armed Services Committee and Senate India Caucus, Tillis said he remains committed to strengthening the national security alliance between the two nations.

                “What a terrible terrorist attack in India. America stands with our Indian friends and allies against this despicable atrocity. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Senator Bill Cassidy said.

                “I condemn the terror attack yesterday in Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this horrific attack,” said Senator Sherrod Brown.

                Other US lawmakers also took to Twitter to condemn the attack.