Security failure in Pahalgam attack raises serious questions: K’taka Home Min. Dr. G. Parameshwara
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the security lapse that led to the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 27 people.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, he questioned how such a well-coordinated strike could occur despite the country's robust military and intelligence infrastructure.
Referring to the country's history of effective counter-intelligence, Parameshwara said, "This is not a common occurrence. Our military intelligence has proved its efficiency on many occasions. The question now is how did it fail this time? From where did these terrorists infiltrate, and how did they execute such an attack in a heavily guarded area?" He urged the central government to take the incident with utmost seriousness, emphasizing that immediate and decisive action is necessary to prevent further incidents.
Connecting with the 2019 Pulwama attack, he noted that such a massive casualty had not occurred in recent years, and this sudden lapse demands a transparent investigation.
"We lost more than 27 innocent lives, including civilians and a Navy officer. I offer my deepest condolences to the families and pray for their strength," he added.
In response to Union Minister V. Somanna's accusation that the Congress was politicizing the tragedy, Parameshwara denied the claim. "We are not making this about Congress or BJP. This is about the security of our nation and the safety of our people. I never mentioned the BJP, I only said the central government needs to act. Why should we politicize such a serious issue?" he asked.
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22 Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district
Sukma (PTI): As many as 22 Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Tuesday, police said.
The cadres, including a woman, turned themselves in before senior police and CRPF officials here under the `Poona Margem' (New Dawn) rehabilitation scheme of the government, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said.
The Maoists' influence is steadily declining in the district due to the ongoing anti-Naxal operations, establishment of new security camps and the increased reach of development projects, he said.
The District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma, District Force Sukma, Range Field Team (RFT) Jagdalpur and the Central Reserve Police Force played a key role in encouraging the Naxalites to surrender, the SP said.
The surrendered Naxalites were provided an assistance of Rs 50,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the government's policy, he added.
More than 1,500 Naxalites surrendered in the state in 2025.
The Centre has resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
