Why Are Terrorists Still at Large After the Pahalgam Attack?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Security lapses were evident during the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Accountability for government officials is being demanded.
- Criticism of the government's handling of security in Kashmir is mounting.
- Calls for investigation into the attack have been made.
- The impact on tourism in Kashmir could be significant.
New Delhi, July 28 (NationPress) Shiv Sena UBT member Arvind Sawant has openly criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre regarding the significant security failures observed during the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing that the perpetrators behind this heinous act remain unaccounted for.
“You named the operation Sindoor. Why are you manipulating the emotions of the public? Whose Sindoor was lost? Wasn't it your sisters’ Sindoor that was affected? Despite your efforts to target non-threatening terrorists, the individuals responsible for this attack are still free. Do you feel no remorse?” MP Sawant questioned in the Lok Sabha.
He pointed out that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a political appearance in Bihar, he neglected to visit Pahalgam.
“You (PM Modi) have yet to visit Manipur as well,” he remarked, taking a jab at the BJP and PM Modi.
Furthermore, he accused the Centre of severe security oversights, asking, “Why were there no armed forces or police present during the Pahalgam attack?”
“When I visited Kashmir as a minister to inaugurate the electric bus, security forces were stationed everywhere. Armed soldiers were within close proximity,” he noted.
MP Sawant questioned the lack of security personnel in Pahalgam on the day of the attack, stating, “Our tourists were present, and yet there was no police presence? Who made the decision to keep soldiers absent?”
He called for a comprehensive investigation regarding this matter.
Moreover, Sawant criticized the government's handling of the situation, alleging that it attempted to deflect responsibility onto tour operators.
“The government is so feeble and intimidated that it blames tour operators for taking individuals to Baisaran without permission. Is this how you respond to terrorism?” he asked.
“During the Pulwama attack, Satya Pal Malik was the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. His statement still resonates today; despite repeated appeals, the government insisted on sending soldiers by road, resulting in the Jaish-e-Mohammed attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF soldiers. No inquiry has been initiated even now,” he continued.
He also sought accountability from the government and reiterated why the terrorists from Pahalgam remain unpunished.
MP Sawant further scrutinized the BJP government's foreign policy.
“We commend our army, not the government. What was your act of valor in this? If you had declared freedom, why implement an unconditional ceasefire? The US President is speaking nonsense… even today, he claims to have halted the war. While agreeing to the ceasefire, the government should have established conditions beforehand with Pakistan. Attacks continue post-ceasefire, resulting in the deaths of our citizens,” Sawant asserted.
“Will we merely stand by and observe?” he concluded.