Pahalgam Terror Attack: Congress Questions Investigation and Alleged Mismanagement of Sketches by Modi Government

KKN Gurugram Desk | The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred over two months ago in Jammu and Kashmir, is once again in the news as the Congress Party has raised several important questions regarding the investigation of the attack and the subsequent actions taken by the Modi Government. In a recent post on its official social media platform X, Congress alleged serious lapses in the investigation and raised doubts about the authenticity of the sketches released shortly after the attack. The issue has sparked a political debate, as opposition parties demand clarity on the incident and the government’s response.

The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Brief Overview

The Pahalgam terror attack occurred on April 22, 2025, when militants targeted security personnel in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack shocked the nation, as it was carried out in a region known for its tranquil beauty and as a major pilgrimage route for Amarnath Yatra. The attack led to the deaths of several personnel, and the government swiftly launched an investigation.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took immediate steps to manage the situation, including releasing sketches of the suspects and enhancing security measures in the region. However, more than two months later, questions remain regarding the investigation, particularly concerning the release of those sketches.

Congress Party’s Allegations on Investigation and Sketches

The Congress Party has raised serious concerns over the Pahalgam attack investigation. In its social media post on X, the party questioned why the investigation was handled so carelessly, pointing out discrepancies in the initial response. According to Congress, the sketches of the alleged militants, which were hurriedly released after the attack, have now been proven to be inaccurate.

Reports from The Indian Express suggest that none of the individuals depicted in the released sketches were involved in the attack. The sketches, which were released by the Jammu and Kashmir Police just two days after the attack, were based on photographs reportedly found on the phone of a militant named Junaid, who had been killed in an encounter in December 2024. Congress pointed out that these sketches were based on outdated and potentially misleading images, raising doubts about the government’s handling of the situation.

The Alleged Militants and the Investigation Flaws

The investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack led authorities to arrest two local Kashmiri residents who were accused of providing shelter to the terrorists involved in the attack. According to sources from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the militants behind the attack were allegedly from Pakistan. However, the confusion around the sketches released earlier has caused further skepticism about the real perpetrators of the attack.

Congress further questioned the speed at which these sketches were issued, suggesting that there might have been external pressure to act quickly, potentially compromising the accuracy of the investigation. They also raised concerns about the lack of verification of the sketches, which may have led to false information being circulated, causing unnecessary confusion among the public and security agencies.

Congress Raises Serious Questions About the Modi Government’s Strategy

The Congress Party’s social media post continued by asking, “Why was there such carelessness in investigating a brutal terror attack? Were these fake sketches part of Modi government’s headline management strategy, focusing more on optics than actual action?”

The Congress Party strongly criticized the Modi government for allegedly prioritizing public perception over substantive action. The party accused the government of trying to create a narrative that portrayed action without delivering real results. According to Congress, the release of misleading sketches served as a temporary fix to manage headlines but failed to address the underlying security and investigative issues that needed urgent attention.

Where Are the Real Attackers? Congress Questions the Investigation

One of the most significant questions raised by Congress is: Who were the real attackers behind the Pahalgam terror attack? Despite more than two months having passed since the incident, the government has yet to bring the actual perpetrators to justice. Congress accused the authorities of failing to make significant progress in identifying and prosecuting the terrorists responsible for the attack.

“Who were the real attackers, and why haven’t they been brought to justice yet?” Congress emphasized that this situation is unacceptable, especially given the two-month delay in holding the culprits accountable. The party argued that justice has not been served, and transparency in the investigation is sorely lacking.

Political Implications of the Pahalgam Terror Attack Investigation

The questions raised by Congress have significant political implications, especially with general elections coming up. National security is often a hot topic in Indian politics, and attacks like the Pahalgam terror incident bring the government’s handling of security issues into sharp focus.

The Congress Party’s criticism has led to a renewed debate about the efficiency and transparency of the Modi government’s counter-terrorism efforts. While the government has been praised for some of its security measures in the past, incidents like the Pahalgam attack raise concerns about how swiftly and effectively investigations are conducted in the face of terrorist threats.

The Role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken the lead in investigating the Pahalgam terror attack, and the agency’s findings have pointed to the involvement of Pakistani militants. While the NIA’s involvement is crucial in ensuring a thorough investigation, the failure to accurately identify the attackers based on the initial sketches has left many wondering about the overall effectiveness of the agency’s approach.

Experts suggest that the NIA and other intelligence agencies need to adopt more sophisticated methods to gather intelligence and verify the accuracy of data before releasing any public information, especially regarding suspects.

Public Confidence in Security Measures

The Pahalgam terror attack has put a strain on the public’s confidence in the government’s ability to maintain security and bring the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice. In the wake of this attack, the government faces increasing pressure to take concrete actions and provide answers to the families of the victims and the wider public.

With questions still lingering about the real perpetrators, the accuracy of the investigation, and the hasty release of the sketches, the government must work to rebuild trust and ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated with full transparency.

Conclusion: Need for Transparency and Accountability

The Pahalgam terror attack investigation has raised serious questions about the efficiency and integrity of the process. The Congress Party has effectively spotlighted the lack of thoroughness in the investigation and the mismanagement of the investigation’s initial stages. The government must now work to address these concerns and provide clear answers to the public.

For the sake of national security, justice for the victims, and the integrity of India’s counter-terrorism efforts, it is essential that the real perpetrators are identified, and accountability is ensured at every step of the investigation. Only through transparency, action, and justice can the government restore faith in its ability to safeguard the nation’s security.