Government must clarify if it has accepted 3rd party mediation: Congress on 'pause'

NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday demanded that govt clarify its stand on whether it has accepted "third-party mediation" on Kashmir after the US made announcements on behalf of India and Pakistan on Saturday. The party also registered its strong objection to attempts to "internationalise" the Kashmir issue and "hyphenate" the two countries.

It reiterated its demand for an all-party meeting "in the presence" of PM Narendra Modi and a special session of Parliament for a full discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and 'ceasefire announcement' made from the US first and then by govts of India and Pakistan.

Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge respectively have written to the PM, reiterating the "unanimous request of the opposition" to convene a special session of Parliament immediately. "This will be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead," Rahul said.

Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot called the "surprise" announcement of "ceasefire" by US President Donald Trump "unprecedented" and one which gives rise to many questions. P Chidambaram on X said the timeline of 'events/announcements' pertaining to the "ceasefire" was "intriguing".