-Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday sharply criticised the Modi government for its failure on national security. He condemned the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where tourists were allegedly targeted for their religion. Singh called it a “historic intelligence failure” and said the attack was meant to divide the nation communally.
Speaking at a press conference at the AAP office in Lucknow, Singh said the brutal killing of civilians was rare and shocking in Kashmir’s history. “Tourists were deliberately targeted and killed. Such attacks are very rare,” he said.
He demanded a strong response from the government. “Terrorists should be answered in their own language. They brutally killed innocent, unarmed people. The response must be equally strong,” he said.
Singh pointed to public anger in Kashmir. He said locals also condemned the violence. “People want peace. A man named Hussain tried to save the tourists. He too was killed,” Singh added.
Singh raised serious concerns about internal security. “How did terrorists open fire in a tourist area with 2,000 visitors? Where were the intelligence agencies? Where was the Army? Was the police deployed? Was there any alert?” he asked.
He blamed the Union Government and the Lieutenant Governor. Since Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory, Singh said the LG must answer for the failure of police and intelligence.
He urged the government to hold an all-party meeting and explain its plan of action. “We will support any step that brings justice and ensures national security,” he said.
Singh also slammed the Centre’s Agniveer scheme. He said the Indian Army has a shortage of 1.8 lakh soldiers due to the recruitment freeze during COVID-19.
“For three years, no recruitment was done. Instead of regular recruitment, the four-year Agniveer scheme was introduced,” he said. “Youth from Haryana, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand opposed it. They said, ‘Don’t play with our soldiers’ lives.’”
He listed past terror attacks in the region. Singh mentioned the 2016 Uri attack, 2019 Pulwama bombing, and many 2024 attacks on pilgrims and migrant workers. “The government says peace has returned to Kashmir, but reality is different,” he said.
In 2024 alone, Singh noted attacks in Reasi, Ramban, and Jammu. He also mentioned grenade attacks in Srinagar that injured many. “These attacks show that the threat still exists, despite the government’s claims,” he said.
Singh criticised BJP leaders for their “insensitive and inhumane” response. He said media reports claim victims were asked their religion before being killed.
“No one supports such terrorism. These attacks were clearly meant to incite religious hatred,” he said.
He said BJP leaders circulated cartoons mocking a woman mourning her husband’s death. “This shows their mindset—lacking empathy and political responsibility,” Singh charged.
