**Amit Shah Critiques Congress on Terrorism Response in Lok Sabha**
In a passionate address in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress party’s approach to terrorism, referencing the 2008 Batla House encounter and the emotional reactions of senior Congress leaders towards the deceased terrorists. Shah highlighted the effectiveness of the armed forces under the BJP government, noting that they successfully neutralized the attackers from Pahalgam within three months, while questioning the actions taken against terrorists during the UPA’s tenure.
Shah remarked, “They (the opposition) were asking yesterday where the perpetrators of Pahalgam went… Our army has taken decisive action. Those who were hiding during your time are now being pursued and eliminated.” He further invoked the Batla House encounter, which occurred on September 19, 2008, following a series of bomb blasts in Delhi that claimed around 30 lives. The encounter involved a police raid led by encounter specialist Mohan Chand Sharma, resulting in the deaths of two terrorists and Sharma himself.
Recalling a moment from a breakfast meeting, Shah mentioned seeing Congress leader Salman Khurshid in tears over the slain terrorists, questioning why such emotions were not directed towards the martyr Mohan Sharma instead. “If she (Sonia Gandhi) had to cry, she should’ve cried for martyr Mohan Sharma,” Shah stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in the fight against terrorism.
Shah also challenged Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, to outline the measures taken against terrorism during the UPA’s time, asserting that the Army had effectively dealt with the culprits of the Baisaran Valley incident. He presented statistics indicating that there were 7,217 terror incidents in Kashmir from 2004 to 2014, resulting in 1,770 civilian deaths, contrasting this with the current government’s record of reduced terror incidents.
In conclusion, Shah’s remarks underscore the ongoing political debate regarding national security and the contrasting approaches of the BJP and Congress in addressing terrorism in India.
**FAQ**
**Q: What was the Batla House encounter?**
A: The Batla House encounter occurred on September 19, 2008, when Delhi Police raided a flat in Batla House, resulting in the deaths of two terrorists and a police officer during a gunfight.
