In a closed-door all-party meeting held on Thursday, the central government acknowledged security lapses in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. The admission came amid mounting political and public outrage over the incident.

According to sources present at the meeting, a leader from the ruling party stated, "If nothing had gone wrong, why would we be sitting here? There have been lapses somewhere that we have to find out." This candid acknowledgment set the tone for the discussions that followed.

Opposition leaders questioned the apparent failure of security protocols, inquiring about the absence of security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), during the attack. In response, government representatives revealed that local authorities had opened the Baisaran area near Pahalgam without informing security agencies. Traditionally, this area remains restricted until the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra in June, highlighting a significant breach in standard operating procedures.

The government convened the all-party meeting to brief opposition leaders on the circumstances surrounding the attack and to discuss measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said all parties have agreed that India shoul fight against terrorism unitedly. 

"All parties said that they are with the government in this fight against terrorism. All political parties have given this message and the leaders of all parties have said in one voice that whatever step the government takes, we will support it. The meeting ended on a positive note," Rijiju said.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that Opposition has extended full support to the central government to take any action in response to the gruesome terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.