PAHALGAM ATTACK: “SOMEONE HAS TO BE HELD…”, J&K CM DEMANDS ACTION AGAINST SECURITY BREACH
Date: 15 July 2025
Manoj Sinha & Omar Abdullah Speak Out on Security Failures
In the aftermath of the tragic April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack—where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed—both Jammu & Kashmir’s Lt. Governor and Chief Minister have spoken out emphatically about the security lapse.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha publicly admitted the incident was a “security failure” and took full responsibility .
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during a special assembly session, said: “We failed in our responsibility…” . He emphasized that victims deserved answers, asserting: “Someone has to be held…” Although he acknowledged his government doesn’t control security, he demanded accountability for the breach .
Political and Security Fallout
In a closed-door all-party meeting, opposition leaders questioned the absence of CRPF and quick response teams, highlighting protocol failures—e.g., opening Baisaran meadow without central intelligence information .
Omar Abdullah urged that punishment not target innocents: “Don’t let innocent become collateral damage…” .
Public and political groups—including the J&K Awami National Conference—called for transparent investigations and parliamentary scrutiny of the security apparatus .
Aftermath & Response Measures
A special session of the Assembly provided a platform for civil society and political leaders to condemn the attack, honor local hero Syed Adil Hussain Shah, and demand safety protocols .
Lt. Governor Sinha convened high-level meetings with security officials, ordering targeted actions against OTGs and OGWs, while cautioning against harming innocents .
The Central government responded via “Operation Sindoor”—missile strikes targeting terror camps—which CM Abdullah supported, clarifying operations avoided civilian zones .
Senior opposition leaders, notably Congress MP Kharge, alleged that actionable intelligence existed prior to April 22, sparking debate over accountability at the Centre .
