Filipino-Indian Group Urges Pakistan to End Attacks
The Filipino Indian Commerce and Welfare Society Inc. (FICWSI), a business organization representing over 100,000 members in the Philippines, has called on the Pakistani government to honor its commitment to end attacks against India. The group welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which followed days of intense conflict along their shared border.
Manjinder “James” Kumar, a Manila-based businessman and leader of FICWSI, emphasized the importance of this ceasefire. “I urge the Government of Pakistan to reaffirm and fulfill its stated commitment to peace by taking credible and transparent steps to end all support for terrorism directed against India,” he said in a statement.
Context of the Ceasefire Agreement
This call for peace aligns with Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on May 12. Modi highlighted the need for zero tolerance against terrorism, stating that “while the present age wasn’t one of war, it was also not one of terrorism and that zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee for a better world.”
FICWSI, a registered non-profit organization in the Philippines, comprises mainly Indian and Filipino members who work together to promote business and social welfare initiatives in the country.
Impact of the Conflict and the Ceasefire
Prior to the ceasefire, Pakistan and India engaged in four days of deadly aerial and ground attacks, including jet fighter dogfights, missile strikes, drone incursions, and artillery fire. These hostilities resulted in at least 60 fatalities and displaced thousands of civilians living near the border and in the divided region of Kashmir.
India accused the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group, of orchestrating attacks. Pakistan has denied any involvement and has called for an independent investigation into the incidents. Despite the ceasefire, India reported violations, citing renewed artillery fire and drone attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, which remains the main flashpoint of the conflict.
Filipino-Indian Group’s Role in Promoting Peace
With its strong presence in the Philippines, the Filipino Indian Commerce and Welfare Society Inc. continues to advocate for peaceful resolutions and stronger cooperation between India and Pakistan. The group stresses that maintaining peace is crucial not only for the region but also for global security.
As the ceasefire holds, international observers and local communities alike hope for lasting peace and stability along the border. The Filipino Indian community in the Philippines remains hopeful that Pakistan will follow through on its promises and work towards ending support for terrorism directed against India.
For more updates on India-Pakistan relations, visit Filipinokami.com.