Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticized Pakistan’s offer for a “neutral” investigation. Omar emphasized that Pakistan initially denied the incident and instead accused India of orchestrating it, undermining their current offer for an impartial probe.
Addressing the media after an all-party meeting in Srinagar, Abdullah highlighted the inconsistency in Pakistan’s stance. “They didn’t even acknowledge the attack when it occurred. Instead, they were quick to blame India. Now, when those same voices are suggesting a neutral investigation, it becomes difficult to accept their sincerity,” he remarked.
“The controversy began after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered to assist in conducting a ‘neutral, transparent, and credible’ investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Speaking at a passing-out ceremony at the Pakistan Military Academy, Sharif framed the incident as part of the ongoing blame game between the two nations, urging a halt to the hostilities and proposing a cooperative inquiry.
However, India’s response has been firm and swift. In retaliation to the attack, India suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the Attari Integrated Check Post for trade, and revoked the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. These measures signify a hardening of New Delhi’s policy towards Islamabad, highlighting the deteriorating relationship.
According to investigation reports, the attack was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group widely considered to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Notably, Adil Ahmed Thoker, a key figure suspected of orchestrating the attack, reportedly received training across the border before infiltrating into India with other militants.
The situation along the Line of Control (LoC) has also intensified, with Pakistani forces engaging in unprovoked firing for two consecutive nights, prompting a measured response from the Indian Army. The escalating military activities have raised concerns of further destabilization in the already sensitive region.
Omar Abdullah reiterated that while dialogue remains critical for peace, it must be based on sincerity and mutual trust. He underlined that such gestures, made after denial and blame-shifting, do little to foster an environment for credible talks.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to simmer, and both political and security establishments in India are gearing up for more stringent measures against Pakistan-based terror outfits. Diplomatic channels remain largely frozen as New Delhi seeks international support to counter Pakistan’s alleged complicity in cross-border terrorism.
This latest episode highlights the enduring volatility between the two neighbors and the immense challenges in establishing lasting peace in the region. As calls for justice grow louder in India, Pakistan’s credibility on the international stage faces further scrutiny.
