Pahalgam Terrorists Killed During Op Sindoor Debate In Parl: Coincidence?
Mallikarjun Kharge raises questions about Operation Sindoor in Rajya Sabha. Sonia Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, other Congress leaders look on
After days of deadlock in Parliament, the government finally agreed to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, following persistent demands from the Opposition. However, as Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra pointed out, many critical questions remain unanswered.
The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals on April 22, 2025, and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation against identified terrorist bases in Pakistan, have become focal points of debate. The Lok Sabha discussion commenced on July 28, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivering a lengthy speech. Yet, the pressing questions surrounding the attack and the operation remained largely unaddressed.
The Opposition’s primary concern was the lack of accountability regarding the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Coincidentally, just half an hour before the Lok Sabha discussion began, news broke that the alleged terrorists had been killed. On July 29, Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed their deaths and provided a timeline of events, but the timing raised suspicions. How did these terrorists fall victim to security forces just as Parliament was set to discuss the attack?
Jairam Ramesh, a Congress leader, had previously questioned whether the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were also linked to earlier attacks in Poonch and Gagangir. If so, why had they remained at large for so long, only to be discovered moments before the parliamentary discussion?
On July 14, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, acknowledged that the Pahalgam attack was a significant security failure. Yet, the government failed to address who was responsible for this lapse and what measures were being taken to prevent future incidents. The lack of accountability has left citizens frustrated and questioning the government’s commitment to their safety.
Numerous questions about Operation Sindoor also remain unanswered. What were its primary objectives, and have they been achieved? Did India incur any losses during the operation, and if so, what were they? Reports of lost aircraft, including a Rafale, have surfaced, yet no official statements have clarified the situation. The secrecy surrounding these details raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
The international response to Operation Sindoor is another area of uncertainty. How have other nations reacted to India’s actions, particularly regarding the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism? The government has not provided satisfactory answers to these pressing inquiries.
General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, made significant remarks on May 30, 2025 regarding strategic errors made during the initial days of Operation Sindoor. However, these comments were made in Singapore, not India, prompting questions about the government’s communication strategy. Similarly, Group Captain Shiv Kumar indicated that political decisions hindered the operation’s execution, yet the Defence Minister’s response to the Opposition’s inquiries seemed dismissive.
Lt Gen. Rahul R. Singh, the Vice Chief of Army Staff, mentioned that India faced challenges from China during Operation Sindoor, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The Defence Minister claimed that the Pakistani DGMO requested a ceasefire, leading to a pause in the operation. This raises questions about why India halted its pursuit of justice at Pakistan’s request, especially when the stated goal was to combat terrorism, not engage in a war with Pakistan itself.
The external affairs minister, Kiren Rijiju, delivered a lengthy speech but failed to address the numerous instances of former President Donald Trump claiming credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Home Minister Amit Shah expressed frustration over the Opposition’s inquiries regarding Trump’s statements, yet he too could not provide clarity on the matter.
The foreign minister’s recent visit to the US coincided with Trump’s claims about the ceasefire, leaving citizens wondering about the government’s stance on international relations. The external affairs minister’s inability to discuss the success of India’s outreach efforts during Operation Sindoor further compounds the confusion.
Officially, Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, which the government cites as a reason for withholding information. However, this raises questions about the objectives achieved thus far and the rationale behind the ceasefire. If secrecy is paramount, why engage in public discussions at all?
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the previous government formed a committee to review that operation. Citizens are left wondering if a similar committee will be established for Operation Sindoor and what its findings might reveal.
The unanswered questions surrounding the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor reflect a broader concern about accountability and transparency in governance. With 22 children orphaned in Poonch alone, the need for answers is urgent. As citizens await clarity on these critical issues, the government must prioritize transparency and accountability to restore public trust and ensure national security.
