Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has sharply criticized the Modi-led BJP government for its opaque handling of the deadly Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military operation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In a recent interview, Chidambaram raised concerns over the government’s refusal to provide crucial details about the April 22 attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists.
Chidambaram questioned the whereabouts of the terrorists responsible for the attack, asking why the government had failed to apprehend or even identify the attackers. While earlier reports suggested arrests of individuals suspected of sheltering the attackers, their current status remains unclear.
The former Indian Home Minister expressed frustration at the lack of clear communication from the Modi government. He highlighted how various officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Deputy Army Chief, and a naval officer, have shared bits of information, yet key government figures, including the Prime Minister and Defence Minister, have remained silent.
Chidambaram speculated that the Modi government might be withholding information to cover up tactical errors during the military response known as Operation Sindoor.
“There is no transparency, and this only raises suspicions,” Chidambaram said, pointing out the lack of accountability in the government’s actions. He also questioned the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) progress on the investigation, casting doubt on the assumption that the attackers came from Pakistan without concrete evidence.
Chidambaram further accused the government of hiding losses incurred during Operation Sindoor. He stressed that transparency in such matters is crucial, especially when both sides suffer casualties during military operations. “In a war, both sides incur losses. There’s no shame in admitting that,” he added.
Earlier this year, the Indian government admitted that security lapses played a role in the Pahalgam attack. The incident intensified tensions in the region, leading to a brief military conflict between India and Pakistan in May.
Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, targeting Indian military sites, and claimed to have downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales. While India did not confirm these losses, it called Pakistan’s actions “unprovoked aggression.”
The conflict ended on May 10 after a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, who played a significant role in de-escalating the situation. Chidambaram’s remarks come as opposition parties demand greater accountability from the Modi government regarding its handling of national security matters.
As pressure mounts, Chidambaram emphasized that the public has the right to know what happened in Pahalgam and urged the Modi government to be more transparent. “A democracy cannot function in an atmosphere of secrecy and selective leaks,” he concluded.
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