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'I take full responsibility': Lieutenant Governor calls Pahalgam attack a security failure

Srinagar, July 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, calling it a Pakistan-sponsored act to disrupt Kashmir's economy and incite communal discord. While acknowledging the security lapse, he highlighted the decline in local militant recruitment and emphasized the government's commitment to countering terrorism. Sinha noted the temporary setback to tourism activities post-Pahalgam attack, but hoped the ongoing Amarnath Yatra would be a turning point. In an interview to The Times of India, Sinha described the attack as a Pakistan-sponsored act of terror intended to sow communal discord and derail the region's economic progress. "I take full responsibility for the incident, which was undoubtedly a security failure," Sinha said. He added that while the attack was a deliberate attempt to target India's unity, it should not be seen as evidence that terrorism is resurgent across the Union Territory. "The intention of the neighbour (Pakistan) 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," he said. Pakistan's calculated strike on Kashmir's economy According to Sinha, the timing and location of the assault were aimed at undermining Kashmir's booming tourism sector and overall economic revival. "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 told TOI, while also stressing that the widespread condemnation by ordinary Kashmiris was a "befitting reply to Pakistan and terror outfits." Asked whether the participation of local accomplices in the attack posed a fresh challenge for security forces, Sinha maintained that local recruitment of militants had fallen to record lows. "There has been just one incident of local recruitment this year compared to 6-7 last year. There was a time when this figure used to be 150-200. But it is also a fact that Pakistan has facilitated the infiltration of a large number of terrorists in both Jammu region and Kashmir region," he noted. The Pahalgam attack dealt a temporary blow to tourism, with arrivals plunging in the immediate aftermath. "Tourist arrivals had almost stopped after the incident. We believed that the Amarnath Yatra would be the turning point," Sinha said. The LG confirmed that tourist destinations closed after the attack have gradually reopened. "Many have already opened. Others will be opened too in a phased manner, after finalising a robust security plan for each," he said. Operation Sindoor: A Deterrent for Pakistan Reflecting on the broader security environment, Sinha said the success of Operation Sindoor had drawn clear red lines for Pakistan. "India has made it clear that any terror attack will be considered an act of war. The manner in which our forces carried out precise hits against terror facilities in Pakistan conveyed a stern message. But a country that has made terrorism its declared state policy is not to be trusted," he cautioned. Despite the challenges, Sinha expressed confidence that the Union Home Ministry, Defence Ministry and intelligence agencies are fully prepared to counter any future threats.

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