Kapil Sibal’s five-point strategy on Pahalgam terror attack
From a special Parliament session to global diplomacy and border reforms — here’s what Kapil Sibal believes India must do after the Pahalgam attack
In the aftermath of the recent terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has called for a serious, collective, and strategic response from India’s leadership. In a detailed statement, Sibal proposed a five-point action plan — ranging from a special session of Parliament to international diplomatic outreach, economic leverage, non-partisan unity against terror, and urgent completion of India’s border management infrastructure.
1️⃣ Call a special session of parliament
Sibal urged the Prime Minister to immediately convene a special session of Parliament, bringing together all political parties to discuss this grave issue.
“This is not about politics — it’s an attack on India’s sovereignty. No innocent tourist deserves to die like this. The message must go out loud and clear that India stands united against terror.”
He recommended that a unanimous resolution be passed and communicated globally, reflecting the collective will of the Indian people and political leadership.
2️⃣ Launch a major diplomatic and UN initiative
Sibal proposed sending parliamentary delegations — including MPs from both the ruling party and the opposition — to major global capitals to build awareness about Pakistan’s persistent cross-border terror.
“Unless we proactively explain our situation to the world, and build diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and its backers, isolated actions won’t have the desired global impact.”
He specifically named the United States, Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America, and South Asian neighbours as key destinations for this outreach. He also outlined that, ‘in the present global economic scenario, China needs India’s market’, and this should be conditional on its behaviour on this issue in global forums such as the United Nations.
3️⃣ Use economic leverage against terror supporters
Sibal argued that India should strategically use its market power to pressure nations maintaining trade ties with Pakistan.
“India is one of the largest markets in the world. If major economies want access to our market, they must reconsider their trade ties with Pakistan until it stops sheltering terrorism.”
He cited how other nations, like the US, have historically used economic measures to serve strategic interests and urged India to do the same.
4️⃣ Keep terror above politics
Sibal warned against politicising terror incidents for electoral gains or indulging in divisive rhetoric.
“A terrorist is a terrorist — irrespective of religion. No political advantage should be drawn from tragedies like Pulwama. Such conduct only plays into Pakistan’s hands.”
He endorsed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call for national unity and urged leaders and the media to act with responsibility and restraint.
5️⃣ Complete the border management system on war footing
Referring to India’s decision in 2005 to fence the Indo-Pak border and the subsequent Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) plan — delayed repeatedly since 2018 — Sibal stressed its immediate completion.
“We must use the latest surveillance and border technology. If Israel can detect infiltrators, why can’t we? The delays must end. All parties must support this financially and politically.”
He noted that although infiltration numbers have dropped from thousands to around 100–150, significant vulnerabilities remain, especially during harsh winters.
In response to queries about actions like suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, Sibal cautioned that such steps alone won’t curb terrorism.
He also expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not attend an all-party meeting on the issue — a departure from the precedent set by Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the Kargil conflict — suggesting that leadership must prioritise national unity over political engagements.