Indian-Americans launch White House petition to declare Pakistan state sponsor of terrorism

The Indian-American community in the US has launched a White House petition to designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism while Pakistan refuses to accept its role in Uri terror attack.

The petition requires at least 1,00,000 signatures to qualify for a response from the Obama administration.

"This petition is important to the people of the United States of America, India and many other countries which are continuously affected by Pakistan-sponsored terrorism," the petition started on Tuesday read.

The militant attack on an Indian Army base in Uri may be a reaction to India's atrocities in Kashmir, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told reporters in London on Friday during a stopover in the UK on his return from New York.

Speaking to reporters during a brief press conference at the Luton Airport, the prime minister said, "Pakistan was accused within 12 hours of the Uri attack. India placed blame on Pakistan immediately after the attack without any inquiry. No sensible person will accept this."

Also read: Top US leaders move bill to brand Pakistan a terror sponsor

PETITION A 'WE THE PEOPLE' INITIATIVE

Earlier, a bill in this regard was tabled in the US Congress by two powerful lawmakers.

An initiative of US President Barack Obama "We the People", the online petition service at the White House website provides an opportunity to American citizens to campaign before the administration on a particular issue.

The move comes after Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, along with Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, introduced H R 6069, the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act in the House of Representatives.

BILL SENT FOR FURTHER ACTION

The bill has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary action.

Pak PM left with an empty bag, they got no support. And there is a crescendo of support against terrorism at #UNGA: Syed Akbaruddin pic.twitter.com/rF4wrbEcMX; ANI (@ANI_news) September 23, 2016

Simultaneously, the US India Political Action Committee yesterday launched a nationwide initiative to canvass Indian Americans to get their local legislators' support to H R 6069.

Also read: White House presses Congress on bill allowing 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia

"It is time we stop paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is, a state sponsor of terrorism," Congressman Ted Poe said after introducing the bill in the US House of Representatives.

PAK AN UNTRUSTWORTHY ALLY, SAYS US

"Not only is Pakistan an untrustworthy ally, Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the United States for years.

From harboring Osama bin Laden to its cozy relationship with the Haqqani network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the War on Terror. And it's not America's," Poe claimed.

If passed, the bill will require the US President to issue a report within 90 days of its passage detailing whether or not Pakistan has backed international terrorism, he said.

Also read: Also read: Pakistan stands isolated today; it's high time it acted against terror groups: MEA

FOLLOW-UP REPORT TO BE ISSUED IF BILL PASSED

"Thirty days after that, the Secretary of State must issue a follow-up report containing either a determination that Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism or a detailed justification as to why Pakistan does not meet the legal criteria for designation," he added.

Calling it an untrustworthy ally of America, Poe said Pakistan had been aiding and abetting the enemies of the US for years.

"These are not enemies who simply profess to hate us. These are groups and individuals with American blood on their hands," he said in his speech on the House floor.

In his remarks in the House, Congressman George Holding said, "Mr Speaker, we must be honest about the evolving terror threat in front of us and confront this challenge with a strong leadership and unwavering resolve".