Why were troops not deployed in Pahalgam? opposition questions, Centre responds

NEW DELHI: The central government responded to the opposition's question about why there were no military personnel present in Pahalgam at the time of the terrorist attack. The government explained that every year, the Baisaran area is secured in preparation for the Amarnath Yatra.

The pilgrimage usually begins in June, and it is during that time that the route is officially opened. Pilgrims often rest at Baisaran during their journey to the Amarnath cave shrine. Therefore, security forces are deployed during that period to ensure safety, the government clarified.

However, well before the start of the pilgrimage season and the establishment of security arrangements — specifically from April 20 — local tour operators had started bringing tourists to the region. Government representatives stated that the local administration had not informed the central government about tourists visiting the area at that time, and hence, military deployment was not carried out.

Yesterday evening, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah convened an all-party meeting. During the meeting, Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi raised the question of why troops were not deployed in Pahalgam. Several others, including Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, repeated the question. It was in response to these queries that the central government issued its explanation.

Another question raised by the opposition was why the central government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty if India lacked adequate storage capacity. The government explained that the move was intended to send a strong message.