'Ceasefire is a wrong word as it was not a war': Congress MP Manish Tewari as India-Pakistan agree for cessation of hostilities

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Manish Tewarion Sunday dismissed the term "ceasefire" to describe the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, stating that it was inaccurate since no formal war had taken place.He clarified that India was not in a state of war but was holding Pakistan accountable for supporting terrorism, and urged Pakistan to stop backing terrorist activities targeting India.Speaking to news agency ANI, Tewari said, "The 'ceasefire' is a wrong word as it was not a war. India was punishing Pakistan as it promotes terrorism. They should now stop encouraging terrorist activities against India."Tewari also slammed US President Donald Trump over his proposal to mediate on Kashmir, asserting that the issue is not a "biblical 1000-year-old conflict" but one that began just 78 years ago. He said Trump had misunderstood the historical context of Kashmir, which arose from Pakistan’s invasion in 1947.In a post on X, Tewari stated, "Someone in the US establishment needs to seriously educate their President @POTUS @realDonaldTrump that Kashmir is not a biblical 1000-year-old conflict. It started on October 22, 1947 - 78 years ago when Pakistan invaded the Independent State of Jammu & Kashmir that subsequently was ceded to India in 'FULL' by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947 that includes areas illegally occupied by Pakistan till now.How difficult is it to grasp this simple fact?"Trump’s comments were made in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he praised the leadership of India and Pakistan for stepping back from confrontation, claiming that millions of lives may have been saved."I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions," Trump wrote.He also reiterated that the United States had played a part in the peace effort and expressed a willingness to mediate the Kashmir conflict."I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a 'thousand years,' a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!"India has consistently rejected any foreign involvement in the Kashmir issue, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and that all related matters must be resolved bilaterally.