Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has acknowledged that the deadly militant attack in Pahalgam earlier this year was a significant security lapse and said he takes full responsibility for the incident that claimed the lives of several civilians.
“I take full responsibility for the incident, which was undoubtedly a security failure,” the LG said, describing the attack as a deliberate act of terrorism aimed at India’s unity. “The intention of the neighbour was to create a communal divide and trigger a backlash against people of J&K living in other parts of the country, adding to the feeling of alienation.”
Sinha said the timing and location of the Pahalgam attack were designed to deal a blow to Kashmir’s economic revival, particularly its tourism industry.
“In the past five years, the J&K economy’s size has doubled. Tourists have been flocking in high numbers. This was a hit by Pakistan at the economic well-being of Kashmir,” he said.
The attack led to an immediate drop in tourist arrivals, with many destinations temporarily shutting down. However, Sinha noted that the situation has since improved.
“Tourist arrivals had almost stopped after the incident. We believed that the Amarnath Yatra would be the turning point,” he said, adding that several tourist destinations have since reopened, with others to follow in a phased manner once enhanced security plans are in place.
Despite the challenges, Sinha expressed confidence in the capabilities of India’s security apparatus.
“The Union Home Ministry, Defence Ministry and intelligence agencies are fully prepared to counter any future threats,” he said.
