- One of the most basic necessities expected from our elected representatives during times of national emergency, like terror attacks, war-like situations, challenges to sovereignty, and some such grave matters of concern, is to exhibit solidarity by extending all possible support to the ruling dispensation at the Centre. The country witnessed yet another dastardly, heinous, and cowardly terrorist attack on the touring civilians in the pristine backdrop of Bairasan valley, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Consequently, there was an unprecedented outpouring of support from all corners in not only grieving the loss of innocent lives, but also backing the Union Government to the fullest possible means to act decisively against the perpetrators.
PC: Business Standard
- As was witnessed from across the country, the overwhelming people demanding suitable action to respond to the terrorist acts perpetrated by our neighbour must have further concretized the steely resolve of the Union Government led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Most hearteningly, the entire Jammu & Kashmir vociferously condemning the mindless killings must have warmed the cockles of the administration attempting to restore normalcy in the region after hard-fought initiatives finally bearing fruit. We are aware of how the Union Government strived to usher in much-needed peace and progress in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370. The assembly election to the UT was one such endeavour that received tremendous local support.
PC: Times of India
- However, the Pahalgam attack ensued when the region was witnessing tremendous tourist footfalls after concerted efforts undertaken by the authorities concerned. Soon after the attack, the Union Government and the local authorities stepped up countermeasures. Most appreciatively, all the opposition parties unanimously extended support to the Union Government’s response to the enemy as deemed fit. Make no mistake, this is what any mature country would expect from the political class, irrespective of party affiliations/ideologies/philosophies during times of national emergency. However, some political leaders are congenitally predisposed to issue cringeworthy statements as is their wont. We saw it.
PC: Mathrubhumi English
- Agreed, the intelligence failure in grasping the terrorists’ intent was palpable and was questioned by the opposition political parties, and rightly so. But there it should have ended. We can always go back to the drawing room to reassess our security apparatus and to impose suitable measures to plug in apparent lacunas. What is not expected during a crisis is to indulge in politicization, offering a ready-made handle for the enemy country to expose division within us. As it is, social media and the digital world are ubiquitous with an unparalleled disinformation campaign, with artificial intelligence weaving magic like never before. The need of the hour is to remain united by fully supporting the ruling dispensation. Most politicians did, but a few let us down.
