'India will not yield to fear': Abhishek Banerjee slams 'Pakistan as 'vile handler of terrorism'

The TMC MP also slammed Pakistan for portraying itself as a victim while shielding terrorist groups.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, speaking in Tokyo as part of India’s multi-nation, all-party diplomatic delegation, launched a sharp attack on Pakistan, branding it the “vile handler” of terrorism.

During an interaction with the Indian community in Japan on Saturday morning, Banerjee emphasised that India would not be intimidated by terror.

“We are here to share the message and the truth, that India refuses to bow down. We will not yield to fear. I belong to a political party that is in the Opposition, but when it comes to the nation, we stand united,” he said.

Banerjee drew a stark analogy, likening terrorism to a rabid dog and accusing Pakistan of actively nurturing the threat. “If terrorism is a rabid dog, Pakistan is a vile handler. We must bring the world together to combat this wild handler. Otherwise, it will continue breeding and raising more rabid dogs. India will act responsibly. All our responses have been precise and non-escalatory.”

#WATCH | Tokyo | During the interaction of the Indian Community in Japan with the all-party delegation, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee says, "...We are here to share the message and the truth that India refuses to bow down. We will not kneel to fear. I belong to a political party that pic.twitter.com/VklyPqkApw

ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2025

The seven-member delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, also includes BJP MPs Hemang Joshi, Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, and Pradan Baruah, CPI(M) MP John Brittas, and former Indian Ambassador Mohan Kumar.

Banerjee said the delegation’s objective is to build international support and deliver a clear message: India will respond to cross-border terrorism firmly, responsibly, and without escalation.

The outreach comes in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and the Indian armed forces' response, Operation Sindoor, which neutralised nine terror launchpads across the border without civilian casualties.

Banerjee also said that starting the diplomatic campaign in Japan was a strategic choice, calling it a “trusted partner” in India’s counter-terrorism efforts.

“We have come with evidence of Pakistan’s involvement. Today it’s India; tomorrow, it could be another country. The world must act,” he said.

The TMC MP also slammed Pakistan for portraying itself as a victim while shielding terrorist groups.

“The TRF (The Resistance Front) claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. It is a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Everyone in the UN knows how Pakistan has consistently tried to obscure LeT’s involvement in terror activities. The world must stop ignoring this.”

Following Japan, the delegation is slated to travel to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore.

Each leg of the tour will include engagements with political leaders, civil society organisations, and diaspora communities to spotlight India’s message of peace and resolve and highlight Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

Despite political differences at home, Banerjee reaffirmed a unified national front on terrorism. “This mission transcends party politics. It’s about the national interest and global solidarity against terror,” he said.