Political Consensus on Terror

The All-Party Meeting held in New Delhi, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, represents a critical moment in Indian politics-one where unity momentarily eclipsed division. The meeting gathered representatives from across the political spectrum who rose above party lines to condemn the barbaric violence collectively. More importantly, they assured the Union Government of their unconditional support in destroying terror infrastructure and preventing future attacks. This rare bipartisan convergence underscores the gravity of the threat posed by terrorism and the recognition that national security cannot be subject to partisan bickering. However, beneath the surface of unity lie legitimate concerns and unresolved questions-especially regarding security lapses and the adequacy of the internal response mechanisms.
Led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the meeting was comprehensive in its scope, getting a 20-minute briefing on how the Pahalgam attack unfolded offered a behind-the-scenes view of the state’s understanding of the incident. Notably, opposition leaders refrained from demanding specific retaliatory plans-likely understanding the sensitivity of operational matters. Still, they did not shy away from highlighting failures on the ground. Leaders pointed out the conspicuous absence of security personnel at the busy tourist destination at the time of the attack, demanding accountability. This criticism is not mere political opportunism-it reflects a pattern seen in past tragedies, where intelligence inputs or prior warnings have gone unheeded, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
In terms of concrete actions, the government wasted no time in escalating pressure on Pakistan, which it holds responsible for supporting cross-border terror activities. A series of bold diplomatic and strategic measures were announced, including downgrading diplomatic ties, expelling Pakistani military attachés, suspending the Indus Water Treaty, and sealing the Attari land-transit post. These steps demonstrate the government’s resolve to exact costs on states that support or harbour terrorism.
Furthermore, the call for unity must extend beyond the immediate reaction to the tragedy. The value of an all-party consensus lies not only in condemning an attack but in sustaining collaboration on security strategy, legislative backing for counterterrorism operations, and perhaps most importantly, national healing. The onus now is on the government to ensure that this brief moment of consensus does not fade into political rhetoric. The real test will come in the weeks and months ahead, as citizens expect both justice and reforms.
While the national capital focused on security, retaliation, and political consensus, an equally powerful moment was unfolding in Srinagar. In a separate All-Party Meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, a regional resolution was passed that combined grief with moral clarity. The tone and content of the resolution went beyond condemnation, drawing deeply from the cultural ethos of Kashmiriyat and emphasising the values of peace, communal harmony, and collective resilience. It was a statement not just against terror but against fear, division, and cynicism. All leaders expressed solidarity, offering condolences and calling for calm and unity, which reflects the kind of political maturity desperately needed in the Valley. Significantly, the resolution celebrated the selfless heroism of a local ponywallah who died protecting tourists during the attack. The fact that peaceful protests, vigils, and demonstrations were held across towns and villages in J&K further demonstrates that the people of the region reject terrorism and support peace. This is a vital message to the rest of the country-and the international community-that Kashmiris are not passive subjects of conflict but active agents of peace.
For Jammu and Kashmir, this terror attack has turned the tables back. The recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir has significantly set back the region’s progress, particularly disrupting what was expected to be a robust tourist season. Rebuilding trust among visitors and stakeholders will take considerable time and coordinated effort. All political and administrative forces must work together to restore confidence and normalcy. At the same time, with rising tensions between India and Pakistan, J&K is poised to become a focal point of strategic developments in the days ahead. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty adds another layer of urgency, requiring both the regional and central governments to collaborate closely in order to effectively utilise river waters. Implementing such measures will demand extraordinary coordination, planning, and patience. Given the high stakes, it is essential that every stakeholder is brought on board and that efforts are unified and sustained.
Together, the meetings in New Delhi and Srinagar paint a picture of a nation wounded but not broken, diverse in its approaches but united in its purpose. The central government’s emphasis on strategic retaliation and the regional government’s focus on moral and civic unity are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary. One responds to the immediate threat; the other strengthens the long-term social fabric. Both are essential in the fight against terrorism. As the nation mourns its dead and honours its heroes, the challenges are there that will define the future of counterterrorism policy. In the end, terrorism aims not just to destroy lives but to disrupt societies, divide people, and delegitimise democratic order. India’s response-rooted in political unity, moral resolve, and civic solidarity-can deny terrorists that victory. The actions taken now, both in Delhi’s power corridors and Kashmir’s community halls, will shape this unity, becoming a turning point for the nation’s long struggle with terror.

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