Congress Demands Amit Shah’s Resignation Over Pahalgam Security Lapses
On April 22, 2025, a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the loss of 26 civilian lives. The incident has sparked a political storm, with the Congress party demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, citing significant security and intelligence failures. This article delves into the details of the attack, the allegations made by the Congress, the government’s response, and the broader implications for India’s national security apparatus.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack—An Overview
The tranquil town of Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty and as a hub for tourists, was shattered by a brutal terror attack on April 22, 2025. Armed militants targeted civilians in the Baisaran area, an unauthorized zone that had been opened to tourists without adequate security clearance. Despite the presence of approximately 500 security personnel in Pahalgam, the attackers managed to carry out the assault over a span of 40 minutes without any immediate resistance .
The attack not only resulted in tragic loss of life but also exposed glaring lapses in the region’s security infrastructure. The fact that such an incident could occur in a heavily patrolled area raised serious questions about the effectiveness of intelligence and security operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress’s Allegations and Demands
In the aftermath of the attack, the Congress party launched a scathing critique of the central government’s handling of security in Jammu and Kashmir. Key allegations and demands include:
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Security Lapses at Pahalgam: Congress leaders pointed out that the Baisaran meadows were opened to tourists without proper police clearance, and there was a conspicuous absence of security forces during the attack, despite the area’s high tourist footfall .
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Failure to Track Terrorists: Even after a month since the attack, authorities have failed to apprehend the perpetrators, raising concerns over the efficacy of intelligence operations.
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Demand for Amit Shah’s Resignation: Holding the Union Home Minister directly responsible for the security failures, Congress leaders, including Col Rohit Chaudhry, have called for Amit Shah’s resignation, emphasizing that both intelligence and security fall under his purview .
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Relief and Rehabilitation: The party has urged the government to provide compensation to victims’ families and to allocate safer plots for residents living near border areas.
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Clarification on Operation Sindoor: Congress has questioned External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s disclosure that Pakistan was informed after the military strikes under Operation Sindoor, calling for transparency regarding the operation’s execution and objectives .
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Ceasefire Controversy: The sudden announcement of a ceasefire, allegedly brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, has been criticized by Congress as a violation of the Shimla Agreement and a move that undermines India’s sovereignty .
Government’s Response and Clarifications
In response to the allegations, the government has provided several clarifications:
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Acknowledgment of Security Lapse: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during an all-party meeting, acknowledged the security lapse, stating, “Had there been no lapse, why would we be here?” .
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Operation Sindoor: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar refuted claims that Pakistan was informed before the strikes, clarifying that the neighboring country was notified only after the military action was completed .
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Defense of Ceasefire: The government has defended the ceasefire decision, emphasizing the need for strategic restraint and diplomacy in handling cross-border tensions.
Political Repercussions and Public Sentiment
The Pahalgam attack has intensified political debates across the country:
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Opposition Unity: Parties like the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) have joined Congress in demanding accountability from the central government, particularly targeting Amit Shah for the security failures .
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Public Outcry: Citizens have expressed outrage over the incident, demanding a thorough investigation and stringent measures to prevent such attacks in the future.
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Media Scrutiny: The media has been relentless in highlighting the lapses and seeking answers from the authorities, keeping the issue at the forefront of national discourse.
The Broader Implications for National Security
The Pahalgam terror attack underscores the need for a comprehensive review of India’s security apparatus:
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Intelligence Reforms: There is a pressing need to enhance intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms to preempt such attacks.
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Infrastructure and Resource Allocation: Ensuring that tourist hotspots and border areas are adequately secured requires better infrastructure and resource deployment.
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Policy and Governance: The incident calls for a reevaluation of policies governing internal security and the roles of various agencies to ensure accountability and efficiency.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam terror attack has not only resulted in tragic loss of life but has also exposed significant vulnerabilities in India’s security framework. The Congress party’s demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation has brought the issue of political accountability to the forefront. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, it is imperative for the government to address these concerns transparently and take decisive steps to fortify the country’s security mechanisms.
