Communist Party of India (Marxist) Member of Parliament John Brittas on Saturday criticised Pakistan’s role in promoting terrorism and accused it of attempting to undermine India's democratic progress. Brittas, currently visiting Japan as part of a multi-party parliamentary delegation, called Pakistan a “theocratic state” and condemned its military influence on governance.
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Tokyo, Brittas remarked, “India is a democratic country. Whereas Pakistan is a theocratic state. India wants to progress, and that is why Pakistan wants to pull us down. That is why all the terrorist activities take place.”
He underscored that despite ideological differences among the delegation members, they stood united in safeguarding national interests. “We are all from five different political parties, three of which are completely opposed to the ruling party, but we have all come here with a sense of purpose... We give priority to national interest,” he said.
Brittas also took aim at Pakistan’s military leadership, questioning the symbolic elevation of General Asim Munir to the title of Field Marshal. “Pakistani military leader Asim Munir has recently declared himself a Field Marshal... He is the second Field Marshal after Ayub Khan... All countries have an army, whereas the army (Pakistani army) has a nation.”
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Explaining the broader aims of the delegation’s visit, Brittas stated, “The first objective of this visit is to demonstrate the unity and resolve of India. The second objective is to sensitise the international community about the threat called terrorism, which no country can fight alone. We all have to join hands to fight this virus. We hope Japan will understand this... India's resolve is to ensure that all countries join the fight against terrorism, which will be detrimental to the progress of not only India but all countries.”
The delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes MPs from across the political spectrum such as BJP’s Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradhan Baruah, and Hemang Joshi; Trinamool Congress’s Abhishek Banerjee; senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid; and former Indian diplomat Mohan Kumar.
During their visit to Japan, the delegation also held meetings with prominent Japanese political figures, including former Defence Minister Minoru Kihara and Shinako Tsuchiya, Director General of the International Bureau of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The visit is part of India’s larger diplomatic outreach aimed at building international consensus against terrorism and reinforcing its image as a responsible democracy committed to global peace and development.
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