Poonch Attack: Congress Slams Amit Shah Over ‘Lies’, NC’s Omar Abdullah Says ‘Militancy Still Alive’ In J-K

The Congress and National Conference targetted Modi government over terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch expressing concerns over the security situation in the union territory.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah addresses during an election rally for Lok Sabha election, in Srinagar. ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Sunday said he does not see the terrorist attack in Poonch as a security failure as militancy was still alive in that region of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred in Poonch district, resulted in the death of one soldier and injuries to four others as terrorists ambushed an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy on Saturday.

The Congress also took a veiled dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over what it termed as a "lies" on security situation in the union territory. Party's Jairam Ramesh took to X and wrote, "The Sva-ghoshit Chanakya shamelessly says that "nobody dares to even pelt stones anymore” in Jammu & Kashmir. This is only one day after a terror attack killed and injured soldiers in Surankote. In fact, since January 1st, 2023, 25 of our brave security personnel and 8 innocent civilians have lost their lives to terror attacks in the Rajouri-Poonch area. The BJP’s only strategy in this election is to repeat lies, in the hope that people will accept them. A reckoning awaits them on the 4th of June!"

The Sva-ghoshit Chanakya shamelessly says that "nobody dares to even pelt stones anymore” in Jammu & Kashmir. This is only one day after a terror attack killed and injured soldiers in Surankote. In fact, since January 1st, 2023, 25 of our brave security personnel and 8 innocent…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 5, 2024

The terrorist attack in Poonch came just three weeks ahead of polling in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, of which Poonch is a part. The constituency is scheduled to vote in the sixth phase of elections on May 25, reported PTI.

"I will not call it a security failure. It is the reality of this place. The BJP made claims of breaking the back of militancy but we have said time and again that they are not ready to accept the truth. And the truth is that unfortunately, the areas which were liberated from militancy we are seeing militancy again in those areas", Abdullah told reporters, as quoted by PTI.

Omar Abdullah campaigned for his party candidate, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in the Hawal area of downtown Srinagar. He referred to the security situation in Srinagar city and the Poonch-Rajouri region, claiming that during his tenure as chief minister, these areas had been largely cleared of militancy. However,  the incident that took place yesterday indicates that the situation there is far from normal", he said. 

Omar Abdulla Cites Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Quote On Relations With Pakistan

Omar Abdullah responded to BJP leaders' remarks about reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) by stating that no one is opposing such statements. "I fail to understand who has stopped them? Have you heard anyone saying that they will stop it?  Who are we to stop it? However, let them normalise the part which is with us. They are not able to handle this side and they are talking about taking the other part," he added, as per PTI.

Regarding the need for dialogue with Pakistan, Abdullah referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's famous quote. "What did the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was bestowed the Bharat Ratna by this government, say? He said we can change friends but we cannot change neighbours. Pakistan was, is and will be our neighbour. Some day, we will have to normalise our relations with it".

Omar Abdullah reiterated the stance of the National Conference, emphasising that both India and Pakistan share the responsibility of fostering a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. 

Abdullah condemned the alleged recurring hate-mongering targeting Muslims during election campaigns, saying that it has become an unfortunate regularity that must be halted. He questioned the persistence of such divisive rhetoric, highlighting its damaging effects on social harmony and national progress.

He further stressed the need to address this issue beyond elections, as the consequences of spreading hate do not dissipate after polls. With India being home to the second-largest Muslim population globally, constituting 14 percent of the nation.