Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.):

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the central government following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Holding Union Home Minister Amit Shah directly responsible for what it described as a massive security lapse, the party demanded his resignation.

At least 26 people were killed and several others critically injured in the attack that occurred on April 22. Among the deceased were three residents of West Bengal, further intensifying the political outrage in the state.

TMC leaders termed the incident a colossal failure of intelligence, surveillance, and border security mechanisms. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “As the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah is answerable to the nation. This is a grave and unforgivable intelligence failure. He must resign immediately.”

TMC MP Mahua Moitra took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her anger, stating, “The false narrative that ‘all is well’ in Jammu and Kashmir must end. Stop peddling fake reassurances and take concrete action so that innocent civilians do not lose their lives.”

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu, citing media reports that suggested intelligence agencies had prior inputs about possible militant movements, questioned the government’s preparedness. “How were terrorists allowed to reach Pahalgam? Why didn’t the forces intervene in time to stop this senseless massacre? This is Pulwama all over again. The Home Minister should take responsibility and resign,” he posted on X.

Reacting to the TMC’s sharp criticism, BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused the party of politicising a tragedy. “The TMC will find enough time to play politics over dead bodies later. Right now, the focus should be on mourning the dead and supporting the investigation. The Centre and security agencies are leaving no stone unturned to hunt down the culprits. The terrorists will not be spared,” he said.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh