J-K Congress face: ‘Tourists have said Pahalgam had no security or checks… so attackers did not face any challenge'

Indian Express

25-04-2025

The All India Congress Committee (AICC)'s general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir is also the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in Jammu and Kashmir, who represents the Dooru constituency in the Valley. A three-time MLA, he has previously also served as the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president. In an interview with The Indian Express, Mir speaks about a range of issues related to the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists at the Baisaran meadow in South Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. Excerpts:
Q: More than 48 hours have passed since the Pahalgam attack. As a senior leader from Kashmir, what is your assessment of the incident?
Firstly, the attack happened at an unexpected place and in an unexpected way. This was the peak of the tourism season, and the locals were happy about it.
Because there are no government jobs, this was a moment of tourism and the masses were involved in it, so then there are no chances of such incidents. Unless such elements have support from locals, such incidents don't happen. The public doesn't support such activities or elements – and this is a common feeling.
And no one can imagine an incident like this in Pahalgam. There are many tourist destinations, and some are in very vulnerable areas. But Pahalgam is most popular and most secure. Because it is on the permanent route of the Amarnath Yatra. For three months during the Yatra, there is a three-tier security cover. People always thought there were strong security checks there.
Q. Did Pahalgam lack security this time?
Tourists have said there were no security checks there (Pahalgam) this time. There was no security at Baisaran. If Jammu and Kashmir police was there or someone in uniform, the attackers would have faced some challenge. Previously, there used to be army patrol there besides the CRPF deployment – and the J&K police also used to move around there.
Q. Do you think the BJP -led central government is accountable for it?
That is what I am saying – that it is the people's question, not mine. Most people are raising these questions and we are doing the same as a party. This is the common feeling there. That why this happened? This spot (Baisaran) is seven kilometre uphill from the last point where cars go. Thousands go there every day. It is a common feeling that some security personnel should have kept a watch.
Q. Why are you alleging intelligence and security failure?
This is what the common people have on their minds. It is somewhere a failure of intelligence agencies and security for such an important area.
Q. You are an ally in the National Conference-led J&K government and a former tourism minister. How would the crisis of tourists' trust be resolved in the wake of Pahalgam attack?
There are many Kashmir lovers. Such attacks were made in an organised way earlier too. But Kashmir lovers can't find elsewhere what they find in Kashmir. Tourism in Kashmir is not because of someone's publicity. Tourists love Kashmir and Kashmiri people love them… I can confidently say that such acts (like Pahalgam attack) are not supported by anyone in Kashmir, be it of any age group.
Q. As part of its diplomatic retaliation against Pakistan, the government has suspended the Indus Water Treaty. What is your take?
Something was expected from the government. But will these steps establish peace and harmony. Everyone wants to get rid of militancy and wants peace and happiness. Is this move in that direction and will it help? It was timely, but what will happen at a later stage?
Q. Thursday's CWC resolution attacks the BJP for 'exploiting this grave tragedy through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarization and division at a time when unity and solidarity is most needed'. What do you make of it?
You must understand that the one with a gun has a target and an agenda. If as a national political party, you are taking their agenda forward, then you are helping their cause.