Former RAW chief admits Pahalgam attack a security failure

ISLAMABAD: As the Indian government continues blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam terror attack, the former head of the Indian Intelligence agency, RAW, Amarjeet Singh Daulat, has termed the attack a security failure of Indian security agencies.

In an interview with the BBC, a former Indian spy chief acknowledged that the deadly Pahalgam attack was a result of security lapses by the country’s intelligence agencies.

Daulat said that despite the current strained relations, there are alternative methods to address the situation, such as backchannel diplomacy, adding that war is the last and worst option.

He emphasised that while surgical strikes may be considered, the notion of full-scale war is counterproductive. He stated, “War is the last bad option,” and cautioned against escalating tensions into a nuclear conflict.​

He said, “If a Balakot-style operation is deemed necessary, it should be carried out. Limited military action is acceptable. But when you start talking about war, that implies nuclear conflict, and such rhetoric is merely meant to intimidate.”

During an interview, he alleged that Kashmiris are not to blame for the Pahalgam attack, adding that violence against Kashmiri Muslims in India is wrong.

These remarks by Amarjit Singh Daulat are a clear admission that the Pahalgam attack was a false flag, defense experts said.

“The BJP has incited extremist Hindus and taken political advantage by carrying out false flag attacks in every government,” said defense experts.