In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, an all-party meeting was held on Thursday to discuss the situation and the actions being taken. During the meeting, leaders from all political parties, including the opposition, expressed strong support for the government's efforts in combating terrorism but also raised concerns over security lapses in the region.
Political Unity in the Fight Against Terrorism
Following the meeting, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reaffirmed the opposition’s full support for the government’s response. "We are with the government to take any action against the perpetrators," he declared. The meeting saw unity across party lines, with all leaders agreeing on the need for decisive action against terrorism and terrorist camps. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the nation must fight terrorism together, with all parties voicing their support for the government's stance.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Security Lapses
Despite the consensus on the need for strong action, some opposition leaders highlighted security lapses in Pahalgam, which they believed may have contributed to the scale of the attack. The incident has led to heightened concerns over the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly around the management of tourism and the coordination between local authorities and security forces.
India Responds to Pakistan’s Role in the Attack
In response to the attack and its suspected cross-border links, India has taken several punitive measures against Pakistan. On Wednesday, the Indian government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, with plans to keep it suspended unless Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. India also expelled three Pakistani military attaches and downsized the staff at Pakistan’s high commission in New Delhi.
Additionally, India has closed the Integrated Check Post at Attari and suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. These moves were part of India's broader strategy to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in the ongoing violence.
Pakistan Suspends Trade and Closes Airspace
In a retaliatory move, Pakistan announced on Thursday that it would suspend all trade with India, including through third countries, and expel Indian diplomats from Islamabad. The country also closed its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines. These actions, while symbolic, are unlikely to have a significant impact on India’s economy, according to industry analysts.
Ongoing Security Operations and International Reactions
Meanwhile, security forces continue their operations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Two Indian jawans were injured in a separate operation in Kulnar forests, Bandipora, where a search operation is still ongoing. The United Nations has called for maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan to prevent further escalation of tensions following the attack.
As the situation unfolds, both nations are facing mounting pressure to resolve their differences and ensure that such violent acts do not destabilize the region further.
The attack on Pahalgam has not only highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism but also underscored the delicate balance of security and diplomacy in South Asia.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)