BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra Sparks Controversy With Remarks on Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims
Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Haryana, Ram Chander Jangra, found himself at the center of a political and public storm on Saturday after making controversial comments regarding the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the tragic deaths of multiple tourists.
His remarks, deemed insensitive by many, focused on the conduct of the victims during the attack, particularly the women who lost their spouses.
Remarks Made During Public Address in Bhiwani
Addressing a gathering in Bhiwani, Haryana, during an event commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, MP Jangra made a series of statements that appeared to place blame on the victims of the attack for not resisting the terrorists.
Referring specifically to the women whose husbands were killed in the Pahalgam incident, Jangra said,
“Wahan par jo hamari veerangnayein behane thee, jinki maang ka sindoor chheen liya gaya, Veerangna ka bhaav nahin tha, josh nahin tha, jazba nahin tha, dil nahin tha, isliye haath jod ke goli ka shikaar ho gaye.”
(Translation: “The brave women, whose husbands were snatched away from them in the attack, lacked the spirit, energy, courage, and willpower. That’s why they were left to die, begging with folded hands.”)
The MP went on to say that terrorists do not spare lives merely because people plead or submit.
“Lekin haath jodne se koi chhodta nahin. Hamare aadmi vahan par haath jodkar maare gaye,”
(Translation: “Terrorists do not show mercy when someone pleads with folded hands. Our people were killed despite submitting.”)
These comments sparked immediate backlash for their insensitive tone and perceived victim-blaming, especially as they came so soon after the traumatic incident.
Reference to Ahilyabai Holkar and Call for Combat Preparedness
Jangra further stated that if the women affected by the attack had read and been inspired by the life and legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar, they might have responded with bravery and potentially saved lives.
“Had they been familiar with the warrior queen’s history and imbibed her fighting spirit, their husbands would not have been killed in such a helpless manner in their presence,” he asserted.
In another controversial statement, the MP suggested that the deaths could have been avoided if the tourists had undergone combat or self-defense training.
“Agar yaatri training pass kiye hote, to teen ugarvaadi 26 logon ko nahin mar sakte the,”
(Translation: “If the tourists had been trained, three terrorists could not have killed 26 people.”)
Advocacy for Agniveer-Like Training for Civilians
Drawing a connection to the Agniveer military recruitment scheme, a flagship program of the central government to train young men and women in military discipline, Jangra claimed that such training could be extended to civilians or tourists for preparedness in such scenarios.
He remarked that if those present during the terror attack had received Agniveer-style combat training, they could have potentially mounted a defense against the terrorists and significantly reduced the death toll.
“Had the tourists been trained like Agniveers, they could have encircled the terrorists and fought back. The number of casualties would certainly have been fewer.”
Clarification and Further Defense of His Remarks
Later, while responding to media questions and criticism of his remarks, Jangra reiterated his stance, stating that the victims should have fought back rather than surrendering to the attackers.
“Bilkul ladna chahihye tha. Aur agar ladte, to kam shahadat hoti aur kam log maare jaate. Haath jodne se kaun chhodta hai? Wo to maarne ke liye aaye the… Vo to aatankvaadi the. Unke dil mein daya thodi thee,”
(Translation: “They should definitely have fought back. Had they done so, there would have been fewer martyrs and fewer deaths. Begging doesn’t save you. The attackers came with the intention to kill. They had no mercy in their hearts.”)
Public and Political Reactions
Jangra’s comments have been widely condemned on social media and by opposition leaders, many of whom have criticized the MP for blaming victims of a terror attack and showing a lack of empathy towards grieving families. Critics also questioned the practicality of civilians, especially unarmed tourists, resisting heavily armed and trained terrorists.
Many users on social platforms labeled the remarks as deeply disrespectful and insensitive, especially towards the bereaved families and survivors of the heinous incident.
This episode has reignited discussions around civic safety, preparedness for terror incidents, and how public officials address national tragedies.
While some argue that there is merit in promoting basic defense training for civilians, many believe that the responsibility for public safety lies with the state and its security forces, not with unarmed civilians or tourists.
The remarks have also triggered introspection on how political leaders frame their responses to tragedies and the tone they adopt while speaking about victims.
