Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has called for a high-level investigation into the recent terror attack in Kulgam that claimed the lives of two migrant laborers. The incident, which occurred on July 31, has prompted Choudhary to publicly question the effectiveness of the security framework implemented by the central government since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. He expressed the deep weariness of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have endured over three decades of militancy and are seeking a definitive end to the violence.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Choudhary articulated his concerns to reporters, stating that the region has been grappling with militancy for 37 years. He highlighted that the revocation of statehood, the separation of Ladakh, and the abrogation of Article 370 were promised to eradicate terrorism. However, he questioned the outcome six years later, asking for an explanation from the Centre regarding the continued killing of innocent individuals and whether their approach had proven to be a failure. The Deputy Chief Minister drew a parallel between the recent killings, including that of a policeman in Anantnag on July 22 and the two migrant laborers in Kulgam, and the protest held by the National Conference in New Delhi on July 20, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He posited that these terror incidents appear to be timed to coincide with the momentum gained by the demand for statehood restoration, suggesting a potential external hand, possibly from Pakistan or elsewhere, aiming to derail the political aspirations of the region and push the issue of statehood into the background.
Choudhary urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to establish a high-level committee to conduct a free and impartial investigation into the terror attacks. The objective of such a probe, he stated, would be to identify those responsible for disrupting peace in the region. He also challenged the repeated assertions by security agencies regarding the normalization of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Deputy Chief Minister posed critical questions, asking if militancy has truly been crushed and, if so, where the perpetrators are emerging from and why the killings persist. He pointed out the irony that these attacks occurred despite security forces being on high alert due to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and the approaching Independence Day celebrations. Choudhary emphasized the necessity of a probe to fix responsibility and called for the strongest possible action against Pakistan if it is found to be behind these attacks, stating that a decisive response cannot be indefinitely delayed. He stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a credible assurance that such killings will cease to recur. Furthermore, he invoked the BJP’s stated ambition of reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, urging the Centre to demonstrate similar resolve by translating its rhetoric into tangible action on the ground.
Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana also strongly condemned the killing of the two migrant laborers in Kulgam and extended his condolences to their families. He described the incident as deeply regrettable, particularly as the victims were individuals who had come to the region to earn a livelihood and contribute to its development. However, Rana clarified that law and order is not within the jurisdiction of the Jammu and Kashmir government. He directed questions regarding security lapses to the Home Ministry and the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order, stating that they are better positioned to provide answers. Rana characterized the killings as sheer barbarity and the murder of humanity itself, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident involving unarmed and innocent persons. He appealed to the Central Government to enhance security measures and implement effective strategies to prevent innocent civilians from becoming targets of such violence.
The Kulgam terror attack has reignited concerns about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with political figures questioning the efficacy of the current security apparatus and demanding accountability. The timing of the attacks, coinciding with renewed calls for statehood restoration, has fueled speculation about a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region and divert attention from political demands. The demand for a high-level probe underscores the urgency to identify perpetrators and implement measures to ensure the safety of all residents and migrant workers. The ongoing debate highlights the complex security challenges faced by the Union Territory and the persistent need for effective counter-terrorism strategies. The statements from both the Deputy Chief Minister and the Jal Shakti Minister reflect a growing sentiment that the current security narrative needs to be substantiated with concrete results on the ground, moving beyond pronouncements of normalcy to demonstrable peace and security for all communities.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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