The Indian government has officially acknowledged a significant intelligence and security lapse in connection with the recent deadly attack in the tourist town of Pahalgam, located in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir.
The admission came during an All-Parties Conference held in New Delhi on Wednesday, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting saw heated exchanges as opposition parties grilled the government over the incident that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists and left 12 others injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah conceded that the attack in Pahalgam was indeed a result of a failure in both intelligence gathering and security measures. The rare admission came amid mounting criticism from political opponents and the general public.
Among the participants in the conference was Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), who raised questions about the government’s proposed response to the attack, including controversial suggestions about suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and diverting river flows. Owaisi questioned the practicality of such a move, asking, “Where will India store all that diverted water?” In response, government officials claimed arrangements would be made, though no specifics were provided.
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The opposition Congress Party labeled the Pahalgam incident as a clear security failure and demanded a thorough investigation. Party leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the absence of adequate security at a site known for its popularity among tourists. “Why was Pahalgam left so vulnerable?” Gandhi asked.
Congress leaders further argued that the Narendra Modi-led government must take full responsibility for the lapse, calling for public accountability and a comprehensive review of current security and intelligence protocols.
According to Indian authorities, the attack took place on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam. Among the dead were two foreign nationals—from Italy and Israel—as well as an officer from the Indian Navy.
The brazen nature of the attack, especially in a region heavily patrolled due to past militant activity, has raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of India’s current security strategy in Jammu and Kashmir.
