"No security arrangements": Bhupesh Baghel on Pahalgam terror attack, draws parallel with Naxal attack in Jhiram Ghati

Durg (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 25 (ANI): Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has expressed shock over the Pahalgam terror attacks while drawing parallels with the Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack of 2013, where the Maoists attacked a convoy of Congress leaders, killing many, including prominent personalities.
He said that both incidents witnessed the absence of security arrangements, and people were killed as the "terrorists" asked for their names.
"We are affected by Naxalism, so we understand. We have lost people close to us, including our leaders, in Naxal attacks. The Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack and the Pahalgam terror attack have two commonalities: first, there were no security arrangements. Second, the Naxals also killed while asking people their names," Baghel said at a press conference.
He further highlighted the efforts made by the locals, including pony riders and hoteliers, who came forward to help the stranded tourists while risking their lives.
"This terrorist (act) has shaken us. Twenty-eight people have died. They (terrorists) have killed by asking people their name-religion. However, the pony riders and hoteliers exemplified the meaning of humanity by risking their lives and saving tourists who were stranded. Two of them died. They provided shelter to the tourists at their homes. This is another aspect of the incident," Baghel said.
Meanwhile, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Friday to assess the security situation in the region following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
"Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi will leave for Srinagar and Udhampur shortly," the Defence officials said.
According to Defence officials, the Army Chief is scheduled to meet senior Army commanders deployed in the Kashmir Valley, along with officials from other security agencies.
Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.
Following the terror attack, the Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with widespread protests erupting across the country, demanding stricter action against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack. (ANI)