Pahalgam terrorist attack
Sir, – Your editorial on the heinous act of terrorism in Pahalgam in India’s union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is not only lacking in professional objectivity but is in sharp contrast with the expressions of sympathy the Indian embassy has received from the people of Ireland, led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin who stated that “Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of India” (“Wider conflict must be avoided”, Editorial, April 28th).
What happened in Pahalgam on April 22nd was not a mere “attack” on “tourists” or a random act of violence. It was a barbaric, premeditated, targeted massacre in which the perpetrators killed Hindus after ascertaining their religion, shooting most of them at point blank in front of their wives and children. It clearly bore the trademark of an operation executed by the military-establishment of Pakistan, a state founded on hatred for Hindus. The modus operandi of the terrorists echoed the voice of the Pakistan army chief, who had delivered an incendiary speech about the nefarious two-nation theory on April 16th.
The Pahalgam attack has been condemned worldwide. President of the European Union Ursula von der Leyen was among the first global leaders “to condemn the vile terror attack”. The UN Security Council also unanimously “condemned in strongest terms the terrorist attack” and underlined “the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice” (The Irish Times failed to mention this main operative portion of the UN statement).
It is bizarre that instead of standing with the innocent victims, The Irish Times has chosen to provide cover fire for the terrorists by charging the prime minister, Narendra Modi, of “rattling sabres” and equating India with Pakistan, the global epicentre of terrorism, known for harbouring UN-designated terrorists and providing a safe haven for many years to Osama bin Laden.
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Contrary to The Irish Times’s misperception about Jammu and Kashmir’s “limited autonomy replaced by direct rule and a harsh security crackdown on Hindu nationalist Modi’s election in 2019”, the people have, in fact, witnessed unprecedented economic and infrastructural development. There has been a revival of domestic and foreign investments and booming tourism, as well as a fully-fledged democratic political process since the abrogation of the temporary Article 370 from the constitution of India in 2019. The people of Jammu and Kashmir elected a democratic government in a free and fair election in 2024 with 63.9 per cent turnout.
There is outrage in India over the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The entire nation, including people in the Kashmir valley, all political parties and leaders of the opposition, and all prominent Muslim leaders and civil society are united behind the government of India in its determination to punish the perpetrators and conspirators of the massacre. Such unity is extraordinary in a country of incredible diversity and plurality.
India, the mother of democracy, and its elected leadership, has an accountability and obligation to its 1.4 billion citizens to provide them with a terror-free environment for a normal life. – Yours, etc,
AKHILESH MISHRA,
Ambassador of India to Ireland,
Embassy of India,
Dublin 4.
The price of economic growth
Sir, – If we are to address the challenge to the world economy created (this time) by Donald Trump’s tariff policies, we might reconsider where we are economically. It is time we re-examine our relentless pursuit of economic growth. The profound changes humanity has made to the Earth’s systems cannot continue indefinitely without catastrophic consequences. We must urgently adopt a more restrained way of living. This means embracing modest homes, smaller vehicles, less extravagant holidays and reducing international travel. It also calls for greater care in consumption and resisting the urge to purchase unnecessary items.
We have a moral obligation to reduce our demands on the planet, leaving more space and resources for future generations and the multitude of other life forms with whom we share this Earth. – Yours, etc,
JOHN SUTTLE,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Warblers, wrens and a cuckoo
Sir, – Last week I had the pleasure of hearing a cuckoo while camping in Lauragh, Co Kerry. Using a bird ID app, I also identified the following species: European robin, Eurasian blackbird, willow warbler, Eurasian blue tit, dunnock, Eurasian magpie, common chaffinch, Eurasian black cap, goldcrest, song thrush, European goldfinch, Eurasian wren.
All were identified in less than 10 minutes while relaxing with an early morning coffee and taking in the views over Kenmare bay.
I’m heading north soon to hear what the dawn chorus has to offer in Donegal. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN STEARS,
Clonsilla,
Dublin.
