Detroit City Wire

Senator Michael Webber has introduced a resolution urging Michigan’s congressional delegation and the U.S. government to denounce terrorism and violence against civilians. The resolution also calls on India and Pakistan to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict in Jammu and Kashmir.

Webber stated, “This resolution isn’t about taking sides in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. It is about standing up against terrorism and those who seek to advance their radical agendas by killing innocent civilians.”

The context for this resolution includes an attack on April 22, when militants targeted civilians near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths. This attack, reportedly motivated by religious targeting, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to military confrontations that caused further civilian casualties. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10, but tensions remain.

Senate Resolution 63 highlights the condemnation of the Pahalgam attack by various entities including the government of India, the United Nations Security Council, and other international bodies. The Pakistani government has also condemned all forms of terrorism. The resolution emphasizes that targeting civilians based on religion contravenes principles of religious tolerance and freedom.