All-Party Meeting Reveals Security Failures
In a rare admission, the Narendra Modi-led central government acknowledged a security lapse during a closed-door all-party meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday, following the Pahalgam terror attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that left 26 dead, most of them tourists.
A senior ruling party leader reportedly told opposition members, “If nothing had gone wrong, why would we be sitting here?”
Opposition Demands Accountability
The attack, which took place in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam in Anantnag district, sparked widespread outrage and criticism over the absence of security forces. Opposition leaders raised tough questions regarding the roles of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local authorities.
According to sources, the government explained that local officials had opened the tourist area prematurely without informing security agencies. No standard operating procedures (SOPs) were in place, and the remote site was difficult to access, requiring a 45-minute uphill walk.
Rahul Gandhi Voices Support, Yet Criticism Mounts
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed full support for appropriate government action in the wake of the attack, but other voices within the Congress were more critical. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) called for a comprehensive probe into intelligence and security failures.
“Pahalgam is supposed to have a three-tier security setup. How did terrorists manage to infiltrate?” the CWC asked in a resolution, demanding accountability from the Union Home Ministry, which oversees the region.
Owaisi, Army Chief, Slam Intelligence Gaps
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi asked, “How can such a high-traffic area remain unprotected?” He noted the complete absence of security camps in the area. Former army chief General VP Malik called the incident an intelligence failure of grave proportions, questioning why there was no advance information despite the peak tourist season.
Political Fallout and Allegations of Polarization
The CWC also criticized the BJP for allegedly using the tragedy to promote social discord through social media proxies. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal defended the party’s decision to raise questions, stating, “We are being a responsible opposition by demanding answers to prevent future attacks.”
Journalist Assaulted for Asking Questions
Meanwhile, BJP workers in Kathua district reportedly assaulted journalist Rakesh Sharma while he was covering a protest against the attack. Sharma was attacked after questioning the Home Ministry’s role in the security failure and was accused of using “separatist language.”
Voices of the Bereaved: Shital Kalathiya Speaks Out
Shital Kalathiya, who lost her husband Shailesh Kalathiya—a 44-year-old State Bank of India employee—during the Pahalgam massacre, criticized the government for failing to provide basic security to tax-paying citizens.
“Politicians and security forces showed up only after the tragedy for photo ops,” she said. “VIPs get helicopters, but my husband couldn’t even get ground protection.”
Call for Justice and Reform
As the government faces growing pressure from both opposition leaders and the public, the incident underscores serious concerns about India’s preparedness in conflict-sensitive zones like Jammu and Kashmir. Many are now demanding transparent investigations and stronger preventive measures.
Category: National Security, Indian Politics, South Asia
Tags: Pahalgam attack, Modi govt security failure, Rahul Gandhi statement, CRPF absence, Baisaran Anantnag incident, BJP all-party meeting, Shital Kalathiya, IIOJK unrest, Congress CWC resolution, journalist assault Kathua
