'A huge security lapse:' Indian govt admits intelligence failure in Pahalgam attack

The Indian government acknowledged a serious intelligence and security failure in the recent attack in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This admission came after fierce criticism from the victims' families and opposition parties over the apparent negligence and delayed response from security forces.

The attack occurred on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a group of tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 and injuring 12 others.

On Wednesday, an all-party meeting was convened in New Delhi under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where officials admitted to "security lapses" in connection with the Pahalgam attack.

"We raised the issue of security failures. How can such a lapse occur despite a three-tier security system being in place?" said Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, as quoted by Indian Express. "Rahul Gandhi questioned how nearly a thousand people could gather at the location without the police being aware."

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Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh also spoke to the media, revealing that the government admitted there were no proper security arrangements at the site.

He added that the location, intended to open during the Amarnath Yatra, had been accessible to the public since April without the knowledge or clearance of security agencies.

Meanwhile, BJP Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government had confessed to its mistakes and pledged that such incidents would not happen again.

Critics also pointed out the inadequate and delayed response by authorities after the attack.

According to Indian media reports, the crime scene was located uphill, a 45-minute walk, with no standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to deal with emergencies effectively.

Opposition leaders expressed grave concern over the failure of security protocols and strongly criticised the government for its handling of the situation.

Indian National Congress demanded a comprehensive review of the intelligence breakdown and security negligence in the Pahalgam incident. 

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Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), also participated in the meeting. He raised concerns about the government’s plans to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and divert river waters, questioning where India would store such large volumes of water. Officials reportedly responded that storage arrangements would be made.

The Congress party held Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government directly responsible for the security failure.