Following controversial remarks by Karnataka Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur, the Congress high command has advised its leaders to refrain from commenting on the Pahalgam terror attack unless necessary. Timmapur questioned whether the attackers identified victims by religion, drawing sharp online criticism. He had said, “Will a terrorist pause to ask about one’s caste? They just shoot and flee.”
Timmapur’s comments came amid reports that Hindu tourists were selectively targeted in the April 22 Kashmir attack that claimed 26 lives, including a victim from Shivamogga whose wife confirmed religious identification before the killing. The minister also blamed repeated intelligence failures, including in Kargil and Pulwama.
The Congress government has also faced heat for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s appeal for peace. His comment — “There is no need to go to war” — went viral after being aired on Pakistani news, prompting BJP leaders to accuse him of sympathy towards Pakistan. BJP’s R Ashok sarcastically suggested Siddaramaiah deserved Pakistan’s Nishan-e-Pakistan award.
In response to criticism, Siddaramaiah clarified that war should be a last resort, not an immediate reaction. He stressed the need for strategic restraint, blaming “mischief-makers” for twisting his words during a national tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Congress criticised the central intelligence failure, stating that the attack occurred despite alerts, and that tourists lacked proper security, raising serious questions about national preparedness.
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