As NIA says Pahalgam attackers from Pak, Congress questions govt

Pahalgam/New Delhi – June 24, 2025

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that the recent Pahalgam attack was carried out by militants who crossed over from Pakistan. This finding has ignited sharp criticism from the Congress party, which has questioned the government’s handling of national security.

NIA Finds Pakistan Link in Attack

The NIA team has gathered evidence linking the attackers to Pakistan-based terror groups. Officials found weapons with Pakistani markings and intercepted conversations in Pashto and Punjabi. They also recovered digital devices used to communicate with handlers across the border.

The attackers, believed to have entered through the LoC, targeted a patrol convoy near a forest stretch outside Pahalgam. Three security personnel sustained injuries during the ambush.

An officer involved in the investigation said, “The group received detailed instructions before launching the assault. Their training, tactics, and weapons match those seen in previous attacks involving Pakistani operatives.”

Congress Blames Modi Govt for Security Failures

Congress leaders have blamed the Modi government for repeated lapses in Jammu and Kashmir. Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh stated, “This isn’t the first attack in recent months. The government keeps claiming normalcy, but incidents like these prove otherwise.”

Congress demanded a formal statement from the Home Minister and called for a full review of the region’s security status. The party also asked the Centre to publish a white paper detailing steps taken since Article 370 was revoked.

Supriya Shrinate, another senior Congress leader, added, “It’s time for the government to move beyond slogans and address the reality on the ground. Our security forces need better support, not political posturing.”

BJP Counters Allegations

The BJP responded quickly, defending the government’s record on national security. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Our security forces are working day and night. Congress should avoid playing politics when the nation is facing threats.”

He pointed out that infiltration levels have dropped over the past five years. He also stated that central agencies are tracking cross-border terror activities closely.

“The NIA is doing its job. We will identify and eliminate every threat,” he added.

Security Concerns Grow After Multiple Attacks

The Pahalgam incident is the fourth major attack in Jammu and Kashmir within two months. Earlier assaults in Rajouri and Anantnag showed similar patterns of cross-border involvement.

Security experts believe that these attacks are part of a renewed push to destabilize the region. Many suspect that Pakistani handlers are reacting to India’s stronger global stance against terrorism.

Retired Lt. General Deependra Singh said, “We’ve seen this before. Whenever India increases diplomatic pressure, terror groups try to strike back. Our agencies must act fast and coordinate better.”

Warnings Were Ignored?

Intelligence agencies had flagged increased activity near the LoC days before the attack. Some reports suggest that these alerts were not followed with enough urgency.

A local police officer said, “There were signs—radio chatter, movements, drone sightings—but the response wasn’t swift enough.”

Critics now argue that communication gaps between local forces and central agencies contributed to the delay in action.

Global Focus on Cross-Border Terror

India plans to raise the matter at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed that the issue will feature in talks with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Ruchira Kamboj, India’s envoy to the UN, said, “This incident is another example of Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. The global community cannot stay silent.”

Diplomats are already preparing evidence files to be shared with international partners.

Local Lives Disrupted Again

The attack has left locals in Pahalgam shaken. Tourism had just started to recover after years of unrest. Now, many worry that the violence will drive visitors away again.

Mohammad Iqbal, who runs a hotel in Pahalgam, said, “We were hopeful this season. Tourists had started returning. Now they’re afraid. Our business suffers each time violence returns.”

Security forces have increased patrolling in the area. Drone surveillance and night raids are now part of the daily routine, creating an atmosphere of tension.

Parliament Storm Expected

Congress has announced plans to raise the issue in Parliament. The party will demand accountability from the Home Ministry and seek details on infiltration prevention measures.

A senior leader from the opposition said, “The government cannot avoid this. Our forces are brave, but they need better planning and quicker support.”

Meanwhile, the NIA continues its probe. More arrests and evidence could follow in the coming days.