Parliament to Hold Debate on Op Sindoor and Pahalgam Attack Next Week

NEW DELHI:

Parliament is set to conduct a comprehensive discussion next week on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the security operation codenamed Operation Sindoor, with both Houses planning 16-hour debates. The Lok Sabha will begin the deliberation on 28 July, followed by the Rajya Sabha on 29 July, subject to smooth proceedings, according to parliamentary sources.

The decision to hold the debate came after a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Lok Sabha on 21 July, where the government agreed to the Opposition’s demand for an extended discussion. The Rajya Sabha BAC met on Wednesday and arrived at a similar agreement. The matter has been a point of contention between the government and the Opposition, with growing pressure for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue in Parliament.

The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of several security personnel and civilians earlier this month, has sparked concern across the political spectrum. Opposition parties have insisted on accountability and clarity on the government’s counter-terrorism approach, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. The debate is expected to cover both the circumstances surrounding the attack and the broader implications for national security.

Operation Sindoor, which followed the Pahalgam incident, was a large-scale counter-insurgency response involving multiple security agencies. It is believed to have neutralised several suspected militants in the region and has been cited by government sources as a necessary and swift measure to reassert control in affected areas.

Leaders from various Opposition parties have emphasised that the Prime Minister must personally respond to concerns raised during the discussions. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaking to the media outside Parliament, stated, “The nation deserves an explanation from the highest level of leadership. This is not merely a law and order problem; it is a matter of national interest.”

According to sources familiar with the planning, the debate will be structured to allow voices from all parties, with time allotted based on their representation in the Houses. “This discussion is vital for ensuring transparency and national unity,” said a senior official involved in the session’s preparation.

The Home Ministry is expected to present a detailed report during the debate, outlining the intelligence inputs before the attack, the immediate response from security forces, and subsequent operations. Officials have also indicated that new security measures for pilgrimage routes and border areas may be announced following the discussions.

The extended debates will mark one of the longest discussions of this session and underline the political and public importance of national security in the wake of renewed threats in sensitive regions.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat is expected to issue an official notification confirming the debate schedule in the coming days.