Pahalgam Terror Attack: In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including tourists, the Indian government convened a high-level all-party meeting to outline its response strategy and gather consensus across the political spectrum. The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marked a rare moment of unity, with leaders from all major parties extending support to the government’s decisions and calling for decisive action against terrorism.

Key takeaways from the all party meeting

Opposition supports strong action, demands accountability

Despite raising questions over security lapses, opposition parties united in support of the government’s anti-terror stance. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Asaduddin Owaisi urged the government to dismantle terror camps and ensure accountability. AAP’s Sanjay Singh noted that every party backed the demand for destroying terror infrastructure.

At the beginning of the meeting, a moment of silence was observed for the victims. Ministers including Amit Shah, S. Jaishankar, and Nirmala Sitharaman provided briefings, while intelligence officials outlined steps to enhance security in the region.

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Political unity

Rahul Gandhi cut short his US visit to attend the Congress Working Committee meeting in New Delhi, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Across party lines, leaders reaffirmed solidarity and called for national unity, emphasizing that tackling terrorism must be above political differences.

Government admits to security lapses in Pahalgam

The central government acknowledged security lapses in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Opposition leaders questioned the absence of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other security measures at the site. In response, the government reportedly stated that the Baisaran meadow, where the attack occurred, was opened by local authorities without informing central security agencies. This breach of protocol came despite the area’s usual restrictions ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. The admission has intensified calls for accountability and better coordination between local and central security forces.

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Delayed response under scrutiny

Concerns were raised during the all-party meeting over the delayed response to the Pahalgam terror attack. According to sources, government officials explained that the attack site—Baisaran meadow—was a 45-minute uphill trek, making rapid deployment difficult. Additionally, they acknowledged that no standard operating procedure (SOP) was in place to manage emergencies in such remote areas. The lack of preparedness highlighted significant gaps in emergency response planning.

India rolls out countermeasures

Following the attack, the Centre announced a series of stringent steps targeting Pakistan, accusing it of harboring and supporting terror groups. These include:

Immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari.

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark water-sharing agreement.

Issuance of a 48-hour ultimatum for Pakistani nationals to leave India.

These measures reflect New Delhi’s zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism. In response, Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, halting trade, closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, and cancelling SAARC visa exemptions. Islamabad also expelled Indian military advisers and warned that any move to divert Indus waters would be seen as an act of war.

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Impact on diplomacy and regional stability

The diplomatic fallout was swift and significant. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened the National Security Committee to discuss India’s “irresponsible actions.” Pakistani media dubbed the incident a “false flag operation,” escalating tensions further.

Meanwhile, India’s global partners closely monitored the developments, with many echoing support for India’s right to defend itself.