Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sharply questioned the lack of accountability following the April 22 militant attack, in which several security personnel were injured. His remarks come a day after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in a televised interview with a national news channel, publicly acknowledged that there was a security lapse and intelligence failure that led to the attack.
“It’s good that the LG has admitted there was a failure,” Omar Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar. “But merely acknowledging it is not enough. Who will take responsibility for this serious breach? The people have a right to know who is being held accountable.”
The Chief Minister’s comments have added to the growing chorus for transparency in handling internal security matters, especially at a time when concerns over renewed militant activity have resurfaced in parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
While the LG’s candid admission marks a rare moment of official acknowledgment, critics argue that words must now be followed by action. “There must be consequences for lapses of this nature. An internal review or committee report isn’t enough. The chain of command must be examined, and if negligence is found, it should be acted upon,” Omar Abdullah asserted.
The April 22 attack, which targeted a routine patrol convoy in a high-security zone, raised questions about preparedness and coordination among security agencies. Despite subsequent combing operations and high-level reviews, no official accountability has been declared so far.
Omar Abdullah also urged for institutional reform to ensure such failures are not repeated. “Our forces are brave, but they can only be effective if supported by a system that is proactive and responsive—not reactive,” he added.
The administration has yet to announce whether any official has been suspended or reassigned in the wake of the attack(DD)