Kolkata, 17 June (H.S.):

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government, demanding answers to five pressing questions in connection with the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that occurred 56 days ago. Echoing her party colleague Abhishek Banerjee, who raised the issue on Monday, Moitra questioned the government’s accountability, intelligence lapses, and its silence on alleged international interference in India’s internal affairs.

In a video statement, Moitra expressed serious concern over how terrorists managed to infiltrate one of India’s most heavily guarded and sensitive zones. “How did they reach there? Who were they, and where did they come from? How could they kill so many without facing any resistance?” she asked, slamming the government for what she described as a grave security lapse.

One of her key criticisms was directed at the recent extension granted to Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka. “Instead of holding anyone accountable, are we now rewarding negligence?” she questioned. Moitra demanded clarity on the basis for extending the IB Director's tenure despite the failure to prevent such a major terror attack.

Her third question focused on the identity of the assailants involved in the Pahalgam ambush. “Do we even know who they were? Were they local operatives or did they infiltrate from across the border?” she asked, suggesting a lack of transparency in the investigation process.

Moitra also raised serious concerns over foreign involvement in the India-Pakistan conflict, citing repeated claims by former US President Donald Trump that he mediated in ceasefire talks between the two countries. “If that is true, doesn’t it undermine our sovereignty? Why is our Prime Minister silent on this?” she asked, seeking a direct response from the leadership.

Her fifth question pertained to the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic outreach. “We sent delegations to 133 countries to highlight Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. How many of them openly supported India? On the contrary, Pakistan received significant loans from the IMF. Has India raised this issue at the United Nations Security Council?” she asked, questioning the outcomes of India’s international lobbying efforts.

Moitra further accused the central government of evading parliamentary scrutiny by avoiding the Opposition's demand for a special session to debate the Pahalgam incident. “The Opposition is demanding a serious discussion in Parliament, but the government continues to delay,” she said.

The five pointed questions from the firebrand MP have intensified pressure on the Centre, with critics demanding greater transparency and accountability in national security matters.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh