Is This the Right Time for Blame After the Pahalgam Attack?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heartfelt condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
- Call for unity rather than blame at this moment.
- Importance of thorough investigations into security lapses.
- Criticism of provocative political rhetoric in sensitive times.
- Support for security forces in maintaining peace and order.
New Delhi, May 6 (NationPress) Iltija Mufti, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressed that the hearts of every Kashmiri are deeply saddened following the Pahalgam terror attack. She urged against engaging in a blame game regarding the incident at this critical time.
In an interview with IANS, Iltija, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, criticized Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi for making inflammatory remarks concerning terror attacks and the Indian government’s responses both now and historically.
Iltija Mufti stated, “The security situation in J&K has been under the purview of the Central government since the abrogation of Article 370. However, now is not the moment for finger-pointing over alleged security lapses. They deserve time to conduct a thorough investigation into how this terror act occurred.”
She highlighted that the attack in a tourist hotspot like Baisaran Valley necessitates an investigation to uncover how militants were able to access that area.
“Clearly, some failures have led to this tragic event. A comprehensive investigation is required,” she added.
Iltija condemned Channi for making “baseless” and “provocative” comments about surgical strikes.
“Politicians should exercise caution during such times. It's perplexing why they resort to such rhetoric when lives have been lost,” she remarked.
In the context of potential military action against Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Channi sparked significant political controversy by questioning the legitimacy of the 2019 surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack.
“No one witnessed where the surgical strike occurred, how many casualties there were, or the exact location in Pakistan. There was no tangible outcome. I have consistently sought proof,” Channi stated, challenging the widely acknowledged military operation that followed the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama.
His comments ignited immediate backlash from BJP leaders, who accused Channi and the Congress of undermining the armed forces and demoralizing the nation.