Gaurav Gogoi: "IMF's $2.5 billion aid should not be diverted to terror groups"

Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has voiced concerns over the IMF's $2.5 billion aid to Pakistan, stating that it should not be diverted to terror groups. He also welcomed the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan.

He also praised the Indian armed forces for their defence of India's sovereignty, expressed solidarity with families affected by the Pahalgam attack and cross-border firing in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch, and criticised Pakistan's attempts to promote the two-nation theory.

He highlighted India's unity under the Constitution's secular values and support for the Prime Minister.

"I am grateful to the Indian armed forces for their stellar and professional role in defending India's territory and sovereignty. The men and women made us proud. I continue to pray for those families who suffered tremendously during the Pahalgam attack and the cross-border firing in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Poonch region," Gogoi said. 

Furthermore, he added, "Pakistan wanted to spread the two-nation theory in India, but Indians of all religions, ethnicities, and linguistic backgrounds rejected it and swore by the secularism in our Constitution. Over the last few days, Indians stood as one, united under our Tiranga, and everyone supported the Prime Minister and his government. The US, through the IMF, has overseen the funding of $2.5 billion into the Pakistani economy and has brokered an immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan. I only hope they can ensure that this aid is not funnelled into terror groups," he wrote on X post.

Earlier, both nations took the crucial step of de-escalation to restore peace.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart earlier this week, and the two sides agreed to halt all military actions--on land, at sea, and in the air--from 1700 hours IST.

Misri noted that instructions have been issued to enforce the ceasefire, with another round of DGMO-level talks scheduled for noon in May.

Addressing the press briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. They agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time."

He added, "Today, instructions have been given on both sides to implement this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on May 12th at 1200 hours."