Pathankot attack: Opposition Congress demands answers from the Modi government

Anand Sharma demanded to know, what assured Modi that resumption of peace process has the full support and endorsement of the entire Pakistani establishment

The Opposition Congress on Tuesday rejected PM Narendra Modi’s description of the Pathankot terrorist strike as an “attack on humanity” and categorically termed it as an “attack on India”. Congress spokesperson and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, accused the PM of being caught up in “optics rather than outcomes” and demanded to know what assurances, if any, were made by Pakistan, which led to PM making a surprise trip to Lahore.  

The Congress has demanded the PM engage with Opposition leaders and clear the air on all that has transpired in peace talks with Pakistan. Sharma said this was vital “as any concession made or agreement reached” with Pakistan will have far-reaching consequences.

The former Union minister said, “The UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government and its then prime minister, Manmohan Singh, preferred outcomes over optics. PM Modi believes in the opposite. Optics have taken place in Lahore.”

Sharma said as a responsible opposition party, it has the right to demand answers from the government.  “The prime minister should now tell us what the outcomes are. While we support dialogue, we want to make it clear that our security and integrity are non-negotiable.”

“After cancellation of National Security Advisor (NSA)-level talks in August, what was the understanding reached between NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart in Bangkok? What were the reasons for the PM to make a surprise trip to Lahore? What assurances were given to merit this dramatic gesture? Was PM suspicious when the Pakistan NSA was absent in Lahore, during his surprise visit, was that message not correctly read?”

The Congress wanted to know whether the proposal for resumption of peace process has the full support and endorsement of the entire Pakistani establishment. Recalling how the Congress-led UPA reacted after the deadly 26/11 Mumbai attacks, he said, “The comprehensive bilateral dialogue with Pakistan was suspended after the Mumbai terror strike and could not be restored because India had laid some conditions. We wanted 26/11 conspirators to be charged and tried. We wanted speedy trial of the Mumbai terror accused.”

Sharma pointed out that Manmohan Singh wished to visit Pakistan but did not do so because Pakistan did not honour its promises.