India’s opposition parties have intensified calls for the resignation of Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, following his admission of a “security failure” in the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives in April.
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in the hill station of Pahalgam in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the assault, allegations Islamabad has vehemently denied, demanding an independent international investigation.
In an interview with the Times of India, BJP leader and IoK governor Manoj Sinha took “full responsibility” for the security lapse, prompting strong reactions from opposition politicians who criticized his delayed accountability and demanded he step down.
The Indian National Congress (INC) accused Sinha of shielding unnamed officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. INC spokesperson Pawan Khera questioned who Sinha was protecting by postponing responsibility for nearly three months and called for immediate resignation or dismissal. INC national spokesperson Shama Mohamed echoed the call, stating that accepting responsibility should naturally be followed by stepping down in a democracy.
Imran Nabi Dar of the IoK’s ruling National Conference described resignation and an apology to the people of Jammu and Kashmir as the “next logical step,” citing the governor’s failures that endangered lives and livelihoods.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader MY Tarigami demanded full accountability and transparency from the union government, emphasizing that all those responsible must face consequences.
Meanwhile, Pakistani politician and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman criticized the delayed admission, calling it “well after two months and a whole war over it,” urging India’s opposition in parliament to hold the ruling regime accountable for “spectacular incompetence” that has harmed Indian lives and credibility.
Claims of Disinformation and Denial of Evidence
Separately, PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the Indian government of misleading its public about Pakistan’s alleged role in the attack. In a recent interview, Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan has consistently sought an impartial international investigation, which India has refused.
He challenged New Delhi to present evidence of Pakistan’s involvement, noting that no credible proof has been shared with Pakistan, the international community, or the Indian public. Bilawal asserted that if Pakistan were truly involved, the global community would support India’s stance. He further accused the Indian government and media of orchestrating a disinformation campaign during ongoing tensions.