– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for skipping the all-party meeting on national security after the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a “serious lapse in leadership.”
He said the opposition also demanded action to curb attempts to spread communal hatred after the attack.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Sanjay Singh criticised the Prime Minister’s choice to attend a political event in Bihar instead of prioritising the emergency security briefing.
“This was a critical meeting on national security, following a cowardly terrorist attack that claimed the lives of innocent civilians. The Prime Minister’s absence sent a disappointing message. It was raised by several members across party lines,” said Singh.
Singh said that while opposition parties supported the government in fighting terrorism, they also demanded a strong and immediate response.
“The entire country is outraged by this brutal attack. We are united in demanding a befitting reply. The terrorists and the infrastructure supporting them must be destroyed, and Pakistan—where this is being orchestrated from—must be held directly accountable,” he said.
Singh shared alarming details about the lead-up to the attack, describing it as a “painful and absurd” security failure.
“The site of the attack was opened to tourists on April 20 without any intimation to the police, the Army, CRPF, or intelligence agencies. Two days later, terrorists struck. When thousands of people visit a location without the knowledge of security forces, and an attack happens, it points to a massive intelligence lapse. This cannot be brushed aside,” Singh said, calling for a transparent investigation and accountability at all levels.
Singh said the government failed to give clear or satisfactory answers about the security lapse.
“Once again, we received the same vague and traditional responses—no clarity, no responsibility. In a matter as serious as national security, this kind of evasiveness is unacceptable.”
Singh also raised concerns over the rise in hateful content on social media and in sections of the mainstream media after the attack.
“Several parties, including some from the ruling alliance, stressed the need to curb attempts to spread communal hatred in the aftermath of the attack. Such narratives threaten national harmony. The focus must remain on defeating terrorism—not dividing the country.”
Singh reiterated AAP’s demand for strict action against those responsible for the attack, a serious review of security and intelligence failures, and collective efforts to preserve peace and unity.
