Colombia withdraws statement on Pakistan casualties after Indian diplomatic intervention
New Delhi: In a diplomatic win for India’s global campaign against terrorism, Colombia has withdrawn its earlier statement expressing condolences to Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. The retraction came after a strong intervention from an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
During a press conference in Bogotá on Thursday, Tharoor voiced India's disappointment over Colombia's initial response. The statement had expressed sympathy for Pakistani casualties without acknowledging the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
“We were a little disappointed in the reaction of the Colombian government, which apparently expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in Pakistan after the Indian strikes, rather than sympathising with the victims of terrorism,” Tharoor said.
He emphasized India’s position unequivocally: “There can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them. We are only exercising our right of self-defence, and we are here to dispel any misunderstanding about that.”
Following a meeting with Colombia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, the Indian delegation was informed that the Colombian government had reviewed and retracted the earlier statement.
Speaking to ANI, Villavicencio said that Colombia had now received detailed information about the Kashmir situation and would continue diplomatic dialogue with India.
Tharoor welcomed the diplomatic correction, stating, “The Vice Minister very graciously mentioned that they have withdrawn the statement that we had expressed concern about and that they fully understand our position on the matter, which is something we really value.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor wrote: “Began today with an excellent meeting with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, and her senior colleagues dealing with the Asia-Pacific. I expressed India's view of recent events and voiced disappointment at Colombia's statement on 8 May, conveying 'heartfelt condolences' to Pakistan. The Minister assured me that the statement had been withdrawn and that our position was now properly understood and strongly supported.”
The Indian parliamentary delegation, which has already visited Panama and Guyana, arrived in Colombia on Thursday. Their diplomatic tour will continue in Brazil and the United States, as part of India’s broader mission to consolidate global support for its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
