‘Terrorism In Name Of Religion Must Stop’: Shrikant Shinde Secures Sierra Leone’s Support Against Pakistan-Sponsored Terror

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde delivered a sharp warning to Pakistan from Sierra Leone, condemning terrorism perpetrated in the name of religion while securing African nation’s support for India’s anti-terror efforts. During a high-level diplomatic visit from May 28-30, Shinde led an all-party Indian delegation that successfully garnered Sierra Leone’s backing against state-sponsored terrorism.

The MP’s strong statement referenced the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where attackers allegedly targeted victims based on their religion. “The attackers targeted victims based on their religion—verifying whether they were Hindu or Muslim before opening fire. The aim was clear: to disturb India’s social harmony. This must stop,” Shinde declared during meetings with Sierra Leone’s top leadership.

Sierra Leone’s Parliament unanimously condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack and observed a moment of silence for the victims. The West African nation’s strong response marks a significant diplomatic victory for India’s efforts to isolate sponsors of cross-border terrorism on international platforms.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed solidarity with India and condemned what he termed a “cowardly attack.” The Sierra Leone leadership’s response demonstrates growing international consensus against terrorism targeting religious communities.

During the three-day visit, Shinde’s delegation met with Sierra Leone’s key government figures including the vice president, speaker of parliament, deputy minister of defence, national security coordinator, and foreign affairs officials. The meetings focused on building international coalition against terrorism and exposing state sponsors.

Deputy Defence Minister Colonel (Retired) Muana Brima Massaquoi and Deputy Opposition Leader Daniel Brima Koroma both echoed support for India’s position. They called for African nations to unite collectively against terrorism threats.

Shinde affirmed that India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and is taking decisive action to expose state sponsors of cross-border terrorism. The MP emphasized that nations supporting terrorism must face consequences for their actions.

“Those who aid and sponsor cross-border terrorism must face consequences,” Shinde declared during meetings with foreign diplomats based in Sierra Leone. The statement was aimed at building coordinated international action against terrorism sponsors.

The Indian delegation also engaged with foreign diplomats stationed in Sierra Leone, urging coordinated international action against nations that support terrorism. This multi-pronged diplomatic approach aims to build broader international consensus beyond bilateral relationships.

The delegation interacted with the Indian diaspora and local media in Sierra Leone, reinforcing strong bilateral ties between the two countries. These engagements help build grassroots support for India’s anti-terrorism stance.

The April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which Shinde referenced, involved terrorists allegedly screening victims based on religion before attacking. The incident has been cited by Indian officials as evidence of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism aimed at disturbing communal harmony.

Indian security agencies have linked the attack to cross-border terrorism, with investigations pointing to Pakistani involvement in planning and execution.

The Sierra Leone visit is part of India’s broader diplomatic campaign to raise global awareness about cross-border terrorism. India has been working to build international consensus against state sponsors of terrorism through various multilateral platforms.

The success in Sierra Leone demonstrates India’s growing influence in Africa and ability to garner support for its security concerns on international platforms.

The visit concluded with a united call for collaborative efforts at the United Nations and other international forums to safeguard global peace. Both countries agreed to work together in international bodies to take firm stance against terrorism.

Sierra Leone’s support adds to India’s growing coalition of nations backing its position against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The African nation’s parliament’s unanimous condemnation sends a strong message to terror sponsors.