Pahalgam Attack Exposes Security Lapses: Kharge Seeks Answers in Parliament

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In a politically charged reaction to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing critique of the Modi government’s security policies in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding a special session of Parliament to address what he called a “grave national security failure.”

The attack, which killed 26 civilians and injured many more, took place in the Baisaran Valley, a tourist hotspot in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Eyewitness accounts and initial security reports indicate that the militants—believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba—specifically targeted Hindu pilgrims and tourists, opening fire after identifying individuals by religion.

Kharge, speaking in a press briefing in Delhi, said the nature and timing of the attack are alarming. “This is not just an isolated act of terror; this is a direct assault on the state’s claims of peace and normalcy. Parliament must debate this. The country deserves transparency and accountability.”

Reopening the Security Debate

Kharge’s comments have reignited a debate over whether Kashmir is truly as secure as the government claims. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the central government has maintained that the region is undergoing a phase of unprecedented development and reduced militancy. However, recent attacks—especially the targeted killings of minorities and tourists—have cast doubt on this narrative.

Several senior Congress leaders echoed Kharge’s sentiment, calling for a white paper on internal security. Jairam Ramesh, Congress’s communication in-charge, stated, “The government cannot keep selling normalcy while civilians are dying in terror strikes. We need data, not speeches.”

Demand for Special Parliament Session

Kharge formally wrote to Prime Minister Modi urging the convening of a special session to:

Hear a report from the Home Minister and security agencies
Debate the failures that allowed the attack
Discuss reforms in intelligence sharing and civilian protection
Consider bipartisan strategies for long-term peace

“This is beyond politics. Parliament must speak in one voice against terrorism, but that cannot happen without an honest assessment of how we got here,” Kharge added.

Government Reaction

The government, for its part, has condemned the attack in the strongest terms. Home Minister Amit Shah said that all security forces had been placed on high alert and that a “massive crackdown” was underway in south Kashmir to eliminate the remaining militants involved.

Shah, however, dismissed the demand for a special session as “political posturing.” Speaking in Parliament during a routine session, he said, “Terrorism is not new, and our forces are responding with full strength. This is not the time for blame games.”

This response has not satisfied the opposition, which continues to demand answers on intelligence failures. Sources say that local informants in Pahalgam had flagged unusual movements in the preceding days, but no preemptive action was taken.

Ground Realities and Local Fear

Local reactions to the attack have been a mix of fear and frustration. Several tourism operators in the Pahalgam region say that cancellations have spiked since the attack. “It took years for tourists to come back after the 2016 unrest. This attack will set us back again,” said Imtiaz Lone, a tour guide.

Residents are also concerned about possible security clampdowns, including increased curfews and raids. “People just want to live peacefully, but after every incident, locals are the first to suffer,” said Safiya Bano, a teacher from Anantnag.

A Bigger Question: What’s Next for Kashmir?

Kharge’s demand for a full debate has put a spotlight on the larger question: is India’s Kashmir policy working? Despite a focus on development projects, investment summits, and G20 events in the region, attacks like Pahalgam remind the country that deep-rooted issues remain unresolved.

Security analysts have warned that increased foreign infiltration and local radicalization are creating a dangerous mix. According to a recent report by the South Asia Terrorism Portal, militant recruitment in Kashmir surged in early 2025 despite increased surveillance.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam attack has shaken the country—not just because of the loss of innocent lives, but because it challenges the claim that peace has returned to Kashmir. Whether or not the government agrees to a special Parliament session, the issue is now firmly at the center of India’s political and security discourse.