Washington, Apr 23: On the first anniversary of the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, US Congressman Brad Sherman demanded that Pakistan dismantle terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Speaking at a Capitol Hill exhibition on the “Human Cost of Terrorism,” organized by the Indian Embassy, Sherman highlighted the attack by The Resistance Front—widely linked to LeT, which operates from Pakistani soil. “The attackers targeted innocent people, reportedly separating victims by religion,” he said. “We must use this moment to demand that the Pakistani government clamp down on Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and other terrorist groups.”
The digital exhibit also featured global attacks like the 1993 and 2008 Mumbai blasts, pinpointing Pakistan-based outfits and individuals as culprits. It comes amid Pakistan’s bid to position itself as a peacemaker in the seven-week US-Iran war.
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, emphasized global unity: “The scourge of terror remains determined to destroy our societies. Countries must come together to defeat it.” He noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm stance against terrorism.
Bipartisan lawmakers attended, including Republicans Michael Baumgartner, Bill Huizenga, and Lisa McClain, and Democrats like Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jamie Raskin, Shree Thanedar, and others.
McClain, House Republican Conference chair, stressed collaboration: “We can share intelligence, ideas, policies, and information. Through partnership, we build on what works.”
The exhibit’s visuals told stories of lives shattered by terror. It recalled India’s May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor, which struck nine LeT and JeM sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan’s counteroffensives led to an 88-hour conflict, ending in a May 10 truce.
Congressman Ro Khanna invoked Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s early warnings: “Terrorism is a global threat, as 9/11 showed the US. What Vajpayee said was true.” He pledged continued support as caucus co-chair for intelligence sharing and defense ties.
Richard McCormick called terrorism a “unique evil” targeting freedom: “Extremists crush diversity and self-determination. Terrorism is everyone’s problem—we’ll achieve peace through strength.”
