New Delhi, April 28, 2025:
In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam targeting tourists, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised serious concerns over national security and called for immediate, decisive action from the central government against Pakistan.
Government Must Give a Befitting Reply to Pakistan: Anurag Dhanda
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, AAP National Media Coordinator Anurag Dhanda conveyed the sentiments of the nation, stressing that six days have passed since the attack, and the country eagerly awaits a strong retaliatory move against Pakistan. He criticized the BJP-led central government, urging it to appoint a full-time Home Minister who focuses solely on national security rather than political activities like buying legislators and toppling state governments.
Questions Over Intelligence Inputs and Lapse in Tourist Security
Dhanda raised questions about the Prime Minister’s recently cancelled visit to Jammu and Kashmir. He asked if intelligence inputs led to the cancellation, why were security arrangements for tourists in Pahalgam not strengthened accordingly? He emphasized that if there was prior information about potential threats, failure to protect civilians amounts to a major security lapse.
Demand for Swift Investigation and Public Accountability
Highlighting the need for transparency, Dhanda demanded a time-bound investigation into the Pahalgam attack. He insisted that the identities of all those responsible, including any internal failures, must be made public. Referring to the Pulwama attack, he noted that years after the incident, crucial questions about accountability remain unanswered, and a similar lack of clarity must not be repeated.
End All Trade Ties with Pakistan, Says AAP
Calling for stringent economic measures, Dhanda supported the idea of completely halting trade with Pakistan. He questioned whether ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra had also ceased trade activities with Pakistan and demanded full transparency. He argued that crippling Pakistan economically is essential to weakening its support for terrorism.
Pakistan’s New Strategy: Religious Polarization
Dhanda warned that the Pahalgam attack revealed Pakistan’s shift towards a new strategy aimed at creating religious division within India. He urged the government to take strict action against individuals or organizations that, knowingly or unknowingly, promote hatred on social media, thereby advancing Pakistan’s agenda. Dhanda stressed that irrespective of political affiliation or position, anyone spreading communal hatred must face stern action.
Call for a Full-Time Home Minister
Emphasizing the magnitude of security challenges across the country, Dhanda demanded that India must have a dedicated full-time Home Minister. He criticized the current government setup, suggesting that national security requires round-the-clock focus, not part-time attention divided by political manoeuvring.
Who Ordered the Withdrawal of Security Forces in Pahalgam?
Raising serious questions about security arrangements, Dhanda demanded that the government reveal who ordered the withdrawal of security forces from Pahalgam just days before the attack. He stated that the public has the right to know who compromised the safety of thousands of tourists.
Accountability for Lapses in Prime Minister’s Cancelled Visit
Finally, Dhanda questioned whether intelligence inputs warning of an attack had influenced the Prime Minister’s decision to cancel his Jammu and Kashmir visit. If so, he asked, why were adequate security measures not taken for civilians? He called for accountability from the Home Ministry and demanded that responsible officials face consequences.
Nation Awaits a Decisive Response
Concluding his address, Dhanda asserted that the entire country stands united behind the government in demanding a strong and fitting response to Pakistan. He stressed that the people’s patience is running out, and the time has come for bold action to ensure such attacks never happen again.
