Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 16: All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary G.A. Mir today sought accountability for the “security lapses” that led to the terror attack in Pahalgam last month.
He also called on the Union Government to come clean on the issue and brief the nation on the subsequent ceasefire with Pakistan – particularly the circumstances and conditions that led to it.
Speaking to reporters, Mir said the Pahalgam incident – which shocked the entire country – raised serious questions that could not be ignored.
“People should know what those lapses were and why the terror attack took place,” he said.
Citing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s reported admission of security lapses, Mir said: “Since the Home Minister has acknowledged them, I am hopeful he will share the details and ensure accountability. It should come to the fore and people should see it.”
Mir also raised concerns over the U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of having brokered the ceasefire, saying such assertions contradict India’s longstanding position on bilateral resolution of issues with Pakistan.
“If that is true, it is extremely unfortunate. We have the Shimla Agreement, which clearly states that issues between India and Pakistan will be resolved bilaterally, without third-party mediation. Any outside involvement would be in direct violation of that policy,” he said.
Mir noted that the entire country, including the people of Jammu and Kashmir, united in condemning the Pahalgam attack, sending a strong and unified message.
“It was perhaps for the first time that everyone, regardless of their views, stood together. The incident was clearly aimed at disturbing communal harmony and spreading disorder,” he said.
He added that political parties and the Government were unanimous in supporting any strong response to militancy and its supporters.
“The response of the security forces was timely and appropriate, and was appreciated across the country,” he said.
However, Mir questioned the sudden announcement of a ceasefire just days after the attack, particularly the sequence of events surrounding it.
“On May 10, a message about a ceasefire between the two countries was first floated by the U.S. Vice President – which was strange,” he said.
“Later, the Government of India confirmed the ceasefire. If that happened, the nation has a right to know what exactly transpired.”
“What were the conditions agreed upon? Were there any guarantees that incidents like those in Pahalgam, Pulwama, or Pathankot would not be repeated? What safeguards exist against subversive activities in India?” Mir asked.
Mir added that previous Governments had always dealt with such sensitive situations without allowing third-party involvement.
“This is the first time India’s foreign policy seems exposed to external influence. Also, how did Pakistan manage to secure the IMF bailout amid all this? These questions need clarity,” he said.
Calling for transparency, the Congress leader said his party has been urging the Prime Minister to convene an all-party meeting to brief the opposition on the ceasefire terms and clarify any reported involvement of the United States.
“It’s essential to take the nation into confidence – especially when every citizen stood firmly behind the country, the Government, and our forces during the crisis,” he said.
He also reiterated Congress’s demand for a special session of Parliament to raise necessary questions and hold the Government accountable.
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