Former Home Minister Critiques Security Measures in Jammu and Kashmir

Doda, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Khalid Najib Suharwardy, a leader of the National Conference and former Home Minister, has sharply criticized the government’s handling of security in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking in Doda, he raised concerns about the effectiveness of the security and intelligence apparatus, questioning why attacks were not prevented despite having prior intelligence and networks in place.

Suharwardy emphasized that the government should take responsibility for its failures instead of blaming others. He pointed out that under the current administration, many attacks have occurred without any significant arrests, raising serious doubts about the efficiency of the security system.

He stated that while anyone can carry out an attack, it is the law’s duty to apprehend the perpetrators. Unfortunately, he noted, attackers often evade capture, and their activities remain undetected. He criticized the tendency to blame common citizens for these incidents, asserting that the local population has distanced itself from supporting such elements.

Addressing the broader context, Suharwardy reiterated the National Conference’s long-standing support for dialogue between India and Pakistan. He highlighted that both during and outside of their time in power, the party has advocated for communication to resolve issues. He lamented missed opportunities for dialogue, especially during periods of political stability in Pakistan.

The former minister pointed out discrepancies between government claims and the realities on the ground, which he believes is troubling for any nation. He referenced past attacks in Pulwama and Pahalgam, questioning what actions were taken post-incident and how many individuals were apprehended. He noted that the security and home departments in Jammu and Kashmir operate under directives from Delhi, suggesting that those responsible for security should be held accountable.

Suharwardy acknowledged that conditions in Jammu and Kashmir fluctuate over time, but insisted that this does not mean terrorism has been eradicated. He stressed that a lasting solution is only possible if all parties come to the negotiating table.

He also remarked on the evolving nature of terrorism, stating that it adapts its strategies based on time and circumstances. He argued against associating any terrorist act with a particular religion, citing past bombings and the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi as examples that transcended religious affiliations.

Finally, he questioned the sources of support and weaponry for terrorist organizations, referencing Afghanistan, the Taliban, and Al-Qaeda. Suharwardy concluded that the best approach to combat terrorism is to bring all relevant parties to the discussion table, emphasizing that every victim of violence belongs to a family, and mere rhetoric will not resolve these issues. The government must understand the ground realities and work towards a sustainable solution through dialogue and concrete efforts.