Shashi Tharoor, Shaina NC (File photos)
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday weighed-in on the US strikes on Venezuela, a day before, calling it “law of the jungle”.The US carried out multiple airstrikes on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering explosions across Caracas and paving the way for the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The dramatic escalation was confirmed hours later by US President Donald Trump. Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency as panic swept the capital following the attacks, which left at least 40 people dead.
Talking about the situation, the chair of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, replied to a post by Indian author Kapil Komireddi, saying “International law and the UN Charter have for some years now been honoured in the breach. The Law of the Jungle prevails today. “Might is Right” is the new creed.” Meanwhile, Congress leader and Member of Rajya Sabha Abhishek Manu Singhvi called it “19th-cen imperialism”. “Regime change by cruise missile, democracy delivered by warship, &sovereignty rewritten under self-styled Doctrine? Not leadership, this is 19th-cen imperialism in 21st-cen jargon. If international law matters only to weak, UN should shut shop. world deserves rules, not lunatic rulers.”AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that US set an example that India should follow. “”Today we heard that US President Donald Trump’s forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and took him from his country to America. If US President Donald Trump can abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his own country, then you (Prime Minister Modi) can also go to Pakistan and bring back the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist attacks to India,” he said.In response to Owaisi, BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana said, talking to ANI, “The entire country has praised the Indian armed forces. The way terrorists were eliminated and neutralised under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, only Prime Minister Modi’s government could have done this. Were we supposed to bring them here and feed them?”Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also hit back at the AIMIM leader saying, “”Asaduddin Owaisi, don’t you worry. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy. We have demonstrated unparalleled strength through Operation Sindoor, we have launched missiles, we have eradicated terrorism from Pakistan… we have even secured the extradition of Tahawwur Rana… Unlike you, we do not engage in appeasement politics… You continue with your politics of appeasement, and we will continue doing our work.”Shaina NC also spoke about the escalating situation in Venezuela itself. “India has always maintained cordial relations with Venezuela, with strong diplomatic engagements over the years. This is a matter of grave concern, as ties with Latin America and South America have been carefully nurtured,” she said, while talking to PTI.Further referring to the MEA statement on the crisis she added, “The Ministry of External Affairs has advised that the safety of Indian nationals living there should be prioritised. No country can go around bullying the world; the situation must be viewed holistically. The global community today is worried about such actions, surgical strikes, and, above all, the safety of citizens, which must be seen from a collective global perspective.”The ministry of external affairs, in its official statement, reiterated India’s support for the safety of people in Venezuela. “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” it said.”We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region. The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance,” it added. Go to Source