Image Source: The Indian Express
In his most recent column, "Across the Aisle: India applauds resolve, and waits," ex-Finance Minister P. Chidambaram looks back on India's reaction to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. While he welcomes the country's unity and the Prime Minister's hard-hitting words, Chidambaram expresses concern at overblown assertions about peace in Kashmir and demands introspection on security failures and the government's following actions.
Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India has witnessed a rare moment of unity and resolve. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address struck a chord with the nation, emphasizing solidarity and collective grief. However, P. Chidambaram, in his column, urges caution against overstatements about the situation in Kashmir and highlights the need for accountability and a measured, effective response.
Key Points
Prime Minister’s Address and National Unity
PM Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat, conveyed profound sympathies for the victims, asserting that "the blood of every Indian is on the boil" following the attack.
Chidambaram concedes that the Prime Minister's words reflected the nation's shared sentiment, a sense of unity and determination.
Questioning Claims of Peace in Kashmir
The Prime Minister asserted that peace was returning to Kashmir, with more vibrancy in schools, thriving tourism, and growing incomes.
Chidambaram challenges these claims, arguing that they are overstated and not accepted by everyone, even the PM in hindsight.
Early Political Consensus and Its Dissipation
The attack was followed immediately by all parties, including Congress, offering blanket support to the government's actions.
Since then, the consensus has dissipated and criticism that the government did not admit to security failures and failed to express remorse.
The PM went back to Saudi Arabia but did not travel to Pahalgam or Srinagar; he also missed an all-party meeting and instead attended a political rally in Patna.
Demands for Accountability and Analysis
The Congress Working Committee charged the BJP with politicizing the tragedy and demanded a thorough analysis of intelligence and security lapses.
Experts like former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat advised against war-like jingoistic calls, reminding that military intervention is not the solution.
International and Strategic Implications
The government tried to spin the UN Security Council resolution as positive, although it neither identified the culprits nor spoke about attacking non-Muslims.
China's foreign minister made open pro-Pakistan statements, making India's diplomatic situation even more complicated.
India Awaits Decisive Action
A week after the attack, military analysts caution that options such as surgical strikes might be less of a surprise and effective.
The PM is said to have given the defense forces a "free hand," but Chidambaram reiterates that in a democracy, decision-making responsibility lies with the prime minister.
India awaits a response now that will act as a genuine deterrent to future attacks on state and non-state actors of violence in Kashmir.
Sources: Financial Express: "Across the aisle by P Chidambaram: India applauds resolve, and waits" ; Indian Express: P Chidambaram's columns
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