Mamata Banerjee questions 'selective killings' by terrorists in Pahalgam terror attack

IANS April 23, 2025 708 views

A devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has claimed the lives of three tourists from West Bengal, including an Intelligence Bureau officer. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the incident, questioning the security arrangements and selective nature of the killings. The state's political leadership, including Trinamool Congress, has launched sharp attacks on the central government's internal security mechanisms. The tragic event has once again brought the ongoing security challenges in Kashmir into national focus.

"Terrorists do not have any class or religion, and should be shown no mercy" - Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata, April 23: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, questioned the selective killings by terrorists in Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Key Points

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Mamata condemns selective killings by terrorists in Pahalgam

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Bodies of two tourists arrive in Kolkata

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Intelligence failure highlighted by Trinamool Congress

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IB officer among those killed

"I just cannot imagine so many people being killed selectively. We could even see and hear. Enough army personnel were deployed in Pahalgam. It was a sensitive point near the International Border (IB)," the Chief Minister told media persons after coming out of a city-based private hospital in Kolkata where Governor C.V. Ananda Bose is admitted currently.

She also condemned the massacre. "Today, there was a meeting of the state Cabinet. The matter was also discussed at the meeting. The terrorists do not have any class or religion, and should be shown no mercy," the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, the bodies of two of the three tourists from Bengal who were killed in the Pahalgam massacre, namely Bitan Adhikari and Sameer Guha, have already arrived by a special flight to Kolkata on Wednesday evening.

The body of the third slain tourist from Bengal, Manish Ranjan Mishra, will reach his ancestral residence at Jhalda in Purulia district via Ranchi.

Manish Ranjan Mishra was an officer of the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari and other senior state BJP leaders were present at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata when the bodies of Sameer Guha and Bitan Adhikari.

Two members of the West Bengal Cabinet were also there at the airport.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leadership has launched scathing attacks against the Union government over the intelligence failure behind the Pahalgam massacre.

"Those who are in power in the country and make tall claims about the internal security of the country should take responsibility for the massacre. So many people were killed just because of the security lapses," said West Bengal Power Minister Arup Biswas.

The state BJP leader and the Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, said that this was not the time for political mud-slinging over the tragedy.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 My prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. Why can't we have peace in Kashmir after all these years?
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Rahul K.
While I agree with CM's condemnation, I wish politicians wouldn't use tragedies for political point scoring. Both state and center need to work together on security.
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Sunita P.
The loss of an IB officer is particularly concerning. These attacks seem carefully planned to target security personnel. Hope the investigation reveals the truth soon.
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Amit D.
Tourists should be able to visit Kashmir without fear. The government must ensure better protection in popular areas. My condolences to all affected families.
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Neha R.
The unity shown by political leaders at the airport is commendable. In times of tragedy, we should come together as Indians first. 🙏 #PahalgamAttack

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Tags:
Mamata Banerjee Pahalgam Terror Attack Kashmir Terrorism West Bengal Politics Intelligence Bureau