In the wake of a recent wave of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has criticized the NDA government’s handling of security in the Valley. The Congress MP shared his concerns in a social media post on X, alleging that the BJP-led government’s policies have not succeeded in restoring peace and security in the region. His comments follow a recent ambush in Gulmarg, which claimed the lives of two soldiers and two civilian porters.
A String of Attacks: Gandhi’s Condemnation
On Friday, Gandhi posted in Hindi, expressing grief and concern over the recent violence in Jammu and Kashmir, where militants ambushed an army convoy, resulting in multiple casualties. “The news of the cowardly attack on an army vehicle in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in the martyrdom of our brave soldiers, is extremely saddening. Two porters also lost their lives in the attack,” he wrote, offering condolences to the bereaved families.
In his post, Gandhi accused the Modi government of failing to uphold its promises of security in the region, stating that the current policies have left both military personnel and civilians vulnerable. “The policies of the NDA government at the center have completely failed to establish security and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. Contrary to their claims, the reality is that the region continues to live under the shadow of terror activities, attacks on our soldiers, and targeted killings of civilians,” he added.
A Growing Crisis in J&K: What’s Happening?
The Valley has seen a spate of violent attacks recently, marking a concerning rise in terror activities. In the latest incident, terrorists ambushed a convoy of the Rashtriya Rifles unit, injuring several and killing two soldiers and two porters in the Baramulla district. The convoy was on its way to Nagin post in the Afrawat range when it was attacked near the tourist area of Gulmarg.
Just hours before this incident, a labourer from Uttar Pradesh was shot in Pulwama’s Tral area, leaving him critically injured. The violence intensified on October 24 when seven people, including six non-local laborers and a Kashmiri doctor, were killed in a brutal attack at the Z-Morh tunnel construction site in Ganderbal. These incidents add to a series of targeted killings that have left communities in shock and fear.
A Return to Pre-370 Conditions?
Jammu and Kashmir has been under intense scrutiny since Article 370, which granted the region special autonomy, was abrogated in 2019. Proponents of the move argued that it would lead to greater integration and peace. However, the recent violence suggests a different picture, with critics like Rahul Gandhi pointing to a rising tide of terror activities in the Valley despite the government’s reassurances.
The recent attacks are not isolated incidents; on October 18, terrorists shot a laborer from Bihar in Shopian. His body was discovered in a field, riddled with bullets. Earlier, on October 9, a Territorial Army soldier was found dead in Anantnag, after being abducted along with a colleague who narrowly escaped. These frequent attacks have reignited the debate on whether the government’s policies in J&K are truly addressing security concerns.
The Congress’ Stand: Immediate Responsibility and Peace Restoration
Gandhi has called on the BJP-led government to assume immediate responsibility and take decisive action to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “The government must take immediate responsibility and work to restore peace in the Valley. The safety of both our military personnel and civilians must be prioritized,” he said, stressing the urgent need for robust security measures to prevent further attacks.
Public and Political Reactions
Gandhi’s post has sparked conversations on social media, with mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters of the Congress leader have praised his vocal stand on J&K security, lauding his empathy towards the soldiers and civilians affected by the violence. Others, however, argue that Gandhi’s criticism is overly political, accusing him of leveraging security concerns for political mileage.
Meanwhile, other political figures, including Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, have echoed similar sentiments. Abdullah issued a stern statement after the Gulmarg ambush, stating, “Kashmir will never become part of Pakistan,” and emphasizing that the government must take stricter measures to ensure security in the region.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Safety Amid Unrest
As the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, calls for a reevaluation of security strategies are growing. Experts suggest that while strengthening the military presence is essential, measures to address the socio-political dimensions of the issue may also be necessary to bring about lasting peace. Gandhi’s remarks reflect a mounting concern over the security of those living and working in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the soldiers stationed there.
As the government addresses these concerns, the coming weeks may see increased security measures and possibly a policy review to tackle the recurring violence in the region. For now, the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their leaders await action that goes beyond promises and establishes tangible peace in the Valley.