In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has emerged as the principal voice demanding structural changes in India’s approach to internal security—starting with a special session of Parliament. The attack, which occurred in the scenic Baisaran Valley, saw militants targeting civilians, mostly tourists, in a calculated act of brutality.
Kharge’s appeal, made both in public statements and in a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, argues that the situation has moved beyond isolated terror incidents and instead reflects systemic lapses in intelligence coordination, local enforcement, and regional policy.
A Demand Echoed Across Party Lines
What sets Kharge’s call apart is the growing support from beyond his own party. The DMK, RJD, CPI(M), and even some regional BJP allies have acknowledged the need for Parliament to formally address the security and political dimensions of the attack.
“Calling for a special session is not a political stunt—it is a democratic necessity,” said CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury. “We need to know what the government’s plan is beyond routine counter-insurgency operations.”
Even Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi commented that a session of Parliament could restore national confidence. “The nation is in mourning. It needs answers, not optics.”
The Limits of “Normalcy” in Kashmir
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the government has projected a narrative of increasing peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. Tourism has rebounded, infrastructure projects have multiplied, and high-profile events such as the G20 meeting in Srinagar were touted as symbols of a new Kashmir.
However, attacks like the one in Pahalgam suggest that this peace is fragile. “This illusion of normalcy must be examined in the light of continuing violence,” Kharge said during a media briefing. “You cannot rebuild a house if the foundation is unstable.”
Security analysts concur. According to a recent report by the Observer Research Foundation, while terror-related incidents had decreased between 2020 and 2023, there has been a noticeable uptick in targeted killings and organized attacks since early 2024.
Civilian Anguish and Economic Consequences
For residents of Pahalgam, the attack has not just been a security nightmare—it’s also a blow to their economic hopes. The town, which relies heavily on tourism, has seen a wave of cancellations. Local traders, taxi drivers, and hotel owners have expressed despair over yet another setback.
“This was supposed to be our busiest summer since the pandemic,” said Altaf Hussain, a hotelier. “Now tourists are scared. We are scared.”
Kharge has stressed the need for an economic rehabilitation package for victims’ families and impacted local businesses. “Security failures are devastating. But so are the long-term social and economic costs,” he said.
Government’s Response: Too Little, Too Late?
While Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack and vowed retribution, the government has so far not agreed to the special session. Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting and announced increased deployment and surveillance in southern Kashmir.
But critics argue that such steps are reactive. “It is not enough to act after the tragedy. A special Parliament session can create long-term policy shifts to prevent such attacks,” said senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Looking Forward: Institutional Measures
Kharge has proposed a multi-pronged plan that could be discussed in the special session:
- Creation of a bipartisan National Security Oversight Committee
- Mandatory quarterly briefings to Parliament on high-risk regions
- Civilian protection infrastructure, including better emergency response in tourist zones
- Educational programs to counter local radicalization
The Congress chief insists that the government should view his proposal not as confrontation, but collaboration. “We are offering solutions, not just criticism. This is the moment to rise above party lines,” he said.
