Agartala, April 24, 2025: Tripura’s former Chief Minister and ex-Politburo member Manik Sarkar om Thursday launched a scathing attack on the central government, alleging that its claims of success in curbing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 are misleading and dangerous. His remarks come in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of at least 28 people and left 20 others critically injured.

Calling the incident “barbaric and inhumane,” Sarkar said, “This is a grave tragedy. The Pahalgam terrorist attack is a stark reminder that terrorism has not been rooted out. The government’s propaganda is putting innocent lives at risk.”

He paid tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony handler who was reportedly shot dead while trying to resist the attackers. “His bravery in the face of terror must be remembered. He died trying to protect tourists. This is a tremendous loss,” Sarkar added.

Sarkar did not hold back in his criticism of the Centre, urging them to identify the culprits and deliver exemplary punishment. “The Centre must stand by the families of those who were killed. They must not be abandoned in this hour of grief,” he said.

Drawing parallels with the Pulwama attack, Sarkar pointed out that “After the suicide bombing in Pulwama which killed around 40 soldiers, the government had promised an end to terrorism in Kashmir. Yet, such attacks continue to occur, even monthly. If terrorism has truly been wiped out, how do such brutal incidents still take place?”

He also raised serious questions regarding the effectiveness of security surveillance in the region and accused the government of using national security as a political tool. “The abrogation of Article 370 was claimed to be a masterstroke, but instead, it has worsened the situation. The people are more vulnerable than ever,” Sarkar asserted, warning that political interests must not come at the cost of public safety.