Why were there no soldiers at Pahalgam, asks Opposition. Centre responds

During the all-party meeting, opposition leaders strongly questioned the central government over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The meeting, called by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, followed the government's announcement of several retaliatory actions against Pakistan. The measures taken include downgrading diplomatic relations, expelling Pakistani military officials, suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, and shutting down the Attari land transit route. Opposition leaders primarily focused their questions on the lack of security arrangements at Baisaran, the popular tourist spot near Pahalgam where the attack occurred. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the issue, supported by Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party. Opposition representatives questioned the absence of security forces at the attack site. In response, the government clarified that Baisaran typically receives security cover only before the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which starts in June. Authorities explained that the official deployment of security personnel is timed with the pilgrimage season, aiming to protect pilgrims who stop at Baisaran on their way to the Amarnath shrine.

Government officials noted that local tour operators reportedly started bringing tourists to the area as early as April 20, before security measures had been arranged. Officials highlighted that the local administration had not received prior notice about these early tourist activities, thus no security forces were stationed there at the time. Another significant question from opposition members concerned India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, given the current lack of adequate water storage infrastructure. In reply, government representatives stated that the treaty's suspension was largely symbolic, meant as a strategic signal rather than an immediate operational shift. The government described the decision as demonstrating a firm stance and sending a clear message regarding its future policies towards Pakistan. At the beginning of the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh provided an overview of the security situation. Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka then presented a detailed 20-minute briefing, outlining the events surrounding the attack, intelligence assessments, and subsequent security measures. Prominent political leaders attending the meeting included BJP President and Rajya Sabha Leader JP Nadda, alongside opposition figures such as Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Praful Patel (NCP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Premchand Gupta (RJD), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), and Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), in addition to Mr Gandhi and Mr Kharge.