New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS): The Kulgam terror attack has triggered a political exchange between the Congress and the BJP, with opposition leaders questioning the security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir while the ruling party warned Pakistan against further hostile actions.
Congress leaders described the assault on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel as a serious security concern. They called on the Centre to strengthen protective measures in the Union Territory and ensure the safety of both residents and security personnel.
Congress Questions Security Arrangements After Kulgam Attack
Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who is in charge of the party’s affairs in Punjab, said the Centre must take responsibility for security in Jammu and Kashmir. He described the attack on CRPF personnel as particularly alarming and stressed that the region’s sensitive nature required additional safeguards.
Another Congress leader, Surendra Rajput, expressed concern for the injured personnel and wished them a quick recovery. He also criticised the BJP-led government over its handling of security in the region.
Rajput questioned the government’s claims about controlling terrorism, referring to several past attacks, including incidents in Pathankot, Uri and Pahalgam. He also mentioned the targeting of Kashmiri Hindus while challenging the BJP’s record on internal security.
Holding the Centre responsible for protecting security personnel, Rajput demanded the resignation of the Union Home Minister following the latest incident.
BJP Blames Pakistan, Says Response Will Follow
BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana accused Pakistan of continuing activities directed against India. He alleged that such attacks were intended to divert attention from problems within Pakistan.
Khatana also referred to Operation Sindoor, saying Pakistan had already faced consequences and would receive another response whenever the situation demanded it.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh, meanwhile, said terrorism in Kashmir had declined considerably. However, he pointed out that the region’s difficult geographical conditions could allow some militants to remain hidden.
Ghosh said an investigation was underway into the incident. He added that security personnel had responded effectively when terrorists attacked during a checking operation and that forces would continue efforts to locate those still hiding in the area.
The political reactions came after the attack in Kulgam, which renewed debate over security arrangements and counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
–IANS
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New Delhi, Nov 12: The Kulgam terror attack has triggered strong political reactions, with the Congress expressing concern over the targeting of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The party urged the Centre to take additional precautions to protect lives and property in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, BJP leaders blamed Pakistan and warned of a response.
Speaking to reporters, Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot described the incident as serious. He said the Centre must take responsibility for security in the region.
“This is serious, and I believe that regardless of who claims responsibility for law and order in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India has a responsibility to live up to those claims. Jammu and Kashmir is a very important and sensitive region. A terrorist attack of this nature, particularly the attack on the CRPF, is extremely dangerous. I believe the Government of India will have to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region.”
Read More: Search Operation Resumes in J&K’s Kulgam to Trace Attackers; One Held With Two Grenades in Baramulla
Congress Questions Security After Kulgam Terror Attack
Congress leader Surendra Rajput also described the attack as tragic. He wished the injured security personnel a speedy recovery. However, he blamed the BJP-led government for the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned its counter-terrorism measures.
“It is extremely tragic news. We wish a speedy recovery to all the soldiers who are injured. And the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power there. The BJP governs internal security there. The BJP is responsible for the protection of that area. What are they doing?
“Before demonetisation, they said terrorism had ended. Then incidents happened after Pulwama. After that, the Pathankot incidents happened. Then the Uri incidents happened. After that, incidents in Baisaran in Pahalgam, 26 people were killed. Kashmiri Hindus are being targeted. What is happening during the BJP’s rule?
“Is the government during the BJP’s rule so weak, so cowardly, and so incompetent that we are not even able to protect our own soldiers? If the Bharatiya Janata Party has any shame, if the Home Minister has any shame, he should resign after this incident,” Rajput said.
BJP MP Blames Pakistan, Warns of Response
Meanwhile, BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana accused Pakistan of continuing its anti-India activities. He said such attacks aim to divert attention from Pakistan’s internal situation.
“…Pakistan has still not stopped its despicable activities. It carries out such heinous acts to divert attention from its internal situation. It has already learned a lesson from Operation Sindoor. When the time comes, it will receive a response,” he said.
Dilip Ghosh Says Terrorists May Still Be Hiding in Kashmir
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said terrorism in Kashmir had almost come to an end. However, he acknowledged that some terrorists could still hide in the region’s vast and difficult terrain.
“Terrorism in Kashmir has almost come to an end, but it is still a vast and difficult terrain, where some terrorists may be hiding. An investigation is underway. During a checking operation, terrorists attacked the Army personnel, who responded effectively. Any terrorists still hiding in the area will be tracked down,” Ghosh said.
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–IANS