New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday said he has always supported only those who want peace, whether in West Asia or in any other conflict.
Tharoor had earlier backed the Union government’s stance on the war involving Iran and the US and Israel, saying New Delhi’s silence should not be seen as cowardice but as “good diplomacy”. The comment triggered criticism and allegations that he was acting against the Congress party’s position.
Responding to reporters, Tharoor said war is unnecessary and reiterated his long association with peacekeeping work at the United Nations. He added that soldiers, who understand the devastation and real losses of war, are often the least eager for it.
He said it is one thing to be compelled to defend one’s country as a citizen, but entirely another to continue a war in which people die daily and innocents, including schoolchildren, lose their lives without purpose. Tharoor said the damage to those involved in the conflict, neighbouring countries and nations including India has crossed all acceptable limits, and called for an immediate end to the war.
