The remarks made by Ram Chander Jangra, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, regarding the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, have ignited a major controversy. Jangra stated that the tourists should have fought back against the terrorists and criticized the women who lost their husbands in the attack, saying they "lacked the spirit of warrior women." These comments have been widely condemned by opposition leaders and sparked outrage across social media, with many accusing the MP of insensitivity and disrespect towards the victims and their families.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. The incident, which targeted unarmed civilians, has been a source of national grief and has intensified tensions between India and Pakistan. The remarks made by Jangra have further exacerbated the pain and anger felt by many in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Jangra made the controversial statements at an event in Bhiwani, Haryana, organized to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar. He claimed that the women who lost their husbands in the attack "did not have the spirit and zeal of a brave warrior," suggesting that they could have prevented the deaths had they resisted the terrorists. He also asserted that if the tourists had undergone training under government schemes like Agniveer, they would have been better equipped to handle the situation. "If the tourists had even sticks or rods in their hands and had charged at the terrorists from all sides, I claim that perhaps only five or six would have died, but all three terrorists would have been killed as well," he said.
The MP’s comments have been met with strong criticism from various political figures. Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda described Jangra's remarks as "extremely despicable," accusing him of attacking the dignity of the women who lost their husbands in the Pahalgam attack. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also condemned Jangra's statements, calling them "deeply offensive and unacceptable." Supriya Shrinate, Congress's social media head, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the insensitivity of blaming women who had just witnessed the brutal killings of their spouses.
The controversy has also played out extensively on social media, with many users expressing their anger and disappointment at the BJP MP's remarks. Critics have pointed out the absurdity of expecting unarmed civilians, especially women, to fight against trained terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons. Others have accused Jangra of trying to deflect blame from the government's alleged security lapses that may have contributed to the attack. Some reports indicate that tourists were left without adequate security, and no help arrived for nearly two hours after the attack.
In the face of mounting criticism, Jangra has defended his statements, maintaining that he was simply trying to emphasize the importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. However, his explanation has done little to quell the outrage, and the controversy continues to escalate. The incident has raised questions about the sensitivity and responsibility of elected officials when commenting on tragic events, as well as the need for greater empathy and support for victims of terrorism.
