Centre Briefs Parties on Pahalgam Terror: Here’s What Was Said

At Thursday's all-party meeting, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government briefed political leaders on the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The government stated that the attack was orchestrated "to vitiate the country's atmosphere."

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking to the media after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, said, "All parties expressed solidarity with the government and stood united against terrorism." Officials from the Intelligence Bureau and the Union Home Ministry also presented measures being taken to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Political Consensus Against Terrorism

Leaders across party lines unanimously condemned the attack and called for stringent action against terrorism and terror camps. While opposition parties backed the government's stance, some, including the Congress, flagged concerns over security lapses.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters that his party had raised the issue of a "security lapse" during the meeting, while also pledging full support for any government action against the attackers. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiment, saying, "Everyone at the meeting unequivocally condemned the terror attack and offered full support to the government."

Kharge also remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have attended the meeting to hear the opposition's views directly.

Diplomatic Fallout with Pakistan

In response to cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack, the government on Wednesday took strong diplomatic action against Pakistan. Diplomatic ties were downgraded, Pakistani military attachés were expelled, the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 was suspended, and the Attari land transit post was ordered shut.

Govt Assures Action, Highlights Security Steps

During the meeting, the government assured all-party leaders that it was taking every necessary step to bolster security and reaffirmed its commitment to act firmly against terrorism and its backers. Officials stressed that the Pahalgam attack was intended to disrupt peace and stability in a region witnessing economic revival and a resurgence in tourism.

Though the government did not reveal operational specifics, the opposition did not push for them.

The discussion was opened by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka delivered a 20-minute presentation on the attack and ongoing efforts to tighten security. Deka also fielded questions from party leaders, with Home Minister Amit Shah stepping in as needed, sources said.

Details on Security Lapse

Sources told PTI that while security personnel were present in the Pahalgam area, they were not deployed at Baisaran, the site of the attack, because local authorities were unaware tourists were being taken there. The lack of communication from tour operators and hoteliers reportedly led to the oversight, as force deployment depends on prior information.

Opposition Reaction and Renewed Interest in J&K

Opposition MPs voiced concerns over the security failure and the government's initial response but refrained from confrontational exchanges. They also acknowledged the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir, noting the absence of stone-pelting and arson incidents in recent times.

Several MPs expressed renewed interest in visiting the region, with sources noting that various parliamentary committees have already made visits to Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources quoted by PTI said opposition leaders recognised the seriousness of the government's response and reiterated their commitment to national unity in the face of terrorism.