Did Abu Azmi Question the Timing of Terrorist Encounter During 'Operation Sindoor' in Parliament?

Mumbai, July 29 (NationPress) Following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement regarding the neutralization of three Pakistani terrorists connected to the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident during the debate on 'Operation Sindoor' in Parliament, Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra President, Abu Asim Azmi raised significant concerns about the timing and nature of the encounter.

In a conversation with IANS, Abu Azmi remarked: "Did the terrorists somehow anticipate that the Parliament would be addressing Operation Sindoor, leading them to gather at this precise moment? It’s perplexing. The Kashmir incident occurred months ago. Since then, many have wondered how such a heavily monitored region—where every tourist and vehicle undergoes thorough checks—allowed Pakistani terrorists to infiltrate, attack, and escape unscathed."

Azmi voiced skepticism regarding the sequence of events.

"The entire nation supported the government when it was revealed that the terrorists originated from Pakistan. There was even speculation about war. Yet, no counteraction was taken. Instead, a ceasefire was declared. Now, after months, all three terrorists are conveniently neutralized on the very day Parliament is discussing a sensitive national matter? This raises questions."

The Home Minister previously informed the Lok Sabha that the terrorists were eliminated in Dachigam, Jammu and Kashmir, following a two-month intelligence-driven operation known as Operation Mahadev, aimed at dismantling terror sleeper cells. These terrorists were reportedly affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for the brutal Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of numerous tourists.

Azmi, however, emphasized the necessity for transparency.

"If these individuals were indeed Pakistani terrorists, couldn’t we have apprehended at least one of them alive? That would have provided indisputable evidence of their origin and intentions. But now, with all three deceased, skepticism is inevitable. Even prominent figures like P. Chidambaram are suggesting that the attackers might not have come from Pakistan. The public is genuinely confused. They demand to know what is truly happening."

Moreover, he criticized the political exploitation of terrorism for scoring points, responding to Amit Shah’s comments aimed at Congress regarding its past record during the UPA period. Shah stated, "Between 2005 and 2011, there were 27 major terror attacks resulting in over 1,000 casualties. What actions did Congress take? They merely sent dossiers to Pakistan."

Azmi countered, saying: "We must remember that Prime Minister Modi visited Pakistan uninvited. When the citizens of this country called for decisive action, a ceasefire was instead declared. And now, we’re set to engage in cricket matches with the same country? What interpretation should the common man take from this? The government needs to clarify its stance—because the people have always been resolute against terrorism, regardless of its origin."

The Samajwadi Party leader also addressed international matters, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In response to Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s appeal for India to adopt a "clear and bold" stance in favor of Palestinians, Azmi accused the government of ignoring widespread suffering.

"These leaders endlessly discuss Hindu-Muslim issues but seem oblivious to justice and humanity," Azmi stated.

"I haven’t seen Sonia Gandhi’s letter, but I am aware that people in Gaza have gone months without food. Their skin clings to their bones. Children are starving. People wait in long lines for a morsel, only to be bombed instead. If we, as a nation, genuinely believe in the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), this is the moment to demonstrate it. We should halt the attacks from Israel at this time," he concluded.