New Delhi, July 29 (H.S.): Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Congress in the Lok Sabha for their alleged appeasement politics and a lenient approach toward Pakistan. He emphasized that Pakistan is the root of terrorism and blamed Congress for historical errors, particularly regarding the partition and Kashmir. Shah referenced 'Operation Sindoor' and 'Operation Mahadev' in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, defending the BJP's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. He highlighted Congress's acceptance of the partition and ceasefires, claiming it contributed to ongoing conflicts.

Shah recounted the 1971 war, noting India's significant military successes but criticizing the failure to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). He asserted, If they hadn't accepted the partition, there would be no Pakistan today, implicating Congress in the creation of ongoing issues. Addressing concerns over governmental inaction following the Pahalgam attack, Shah explained that the government's focus is on countering terrorism instead of engaging in warfare.

He condemned Congress for repealing the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA), enacted during Vajpayee's regime, and referred to the Batla House incident to underscore the Congress leaders' emotional responses to terrorism. Shah recounted his memories of Salman Khurshid's public display of emotion after the Batla House encounter, arguing that compassion should have been directed toward the martyred rather than the terrorists involved.

In detailing Operation Mahadev, Shah stated that evidence shows those killed in the operation were linked to the Pahalgam attack. He outlined the thorough investigation by the NIA, noting over 1000 interrogations and two arrests related to assisting terrorists. Shah rebutted a Congress leader's demand for proof of the attackers' origins, expressing frustration at what he regarded as attempts to absolve terrorists.

Responding to opposition critiques about Prime Minister Modi's statements during election canvassing, Shah defended the Prime Minister's remarks as a reflection of national sentiment, reinforcing that the military strike against Pakistan extended 100 kilometers into their territory. He then assessed the current state of Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 removal, claiming there has been a substantial transformation with declining terrorism and violence, once prevalent through daily strikes and stone-pelting, now significantly diminished.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar