The recent terror blast near Delhi’s historic Red Fort, which claimed 12 lives on November 10, has triggered a nationwide political uproar and deep social introspection. As the central government officially declared the explosion a terrorist attack, the incident has reignited concerns over national security, intelligence lapses, and the fragile communal harmony of the country.
Government Declares Zero-Tolerance on Terrorism
The Centre confirmed the Red Fort explosion as a terrorist strike, linking the attack to Pakistan-based extremist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that the government will maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward any act of terrorism.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav condemned the blast as a “heinous act of terror,” asserting that the Cabinet has ordered a full-scale investigation to identify not only the direct perpetrators but also their collaborators. “The government will ensure that those responsible face the harshest consequences,” Vaishnav said, calling for national unity against terrorism.
Congress Accuses Government of Silence on Pakistan
While the government’s response drew support from ruling party ranks, the opposition Congress took a strong stance against what it called a “delayed and weak reaction.”
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate questioned why the government had not issued any official statement against Pakistan even 50 hours after the incident, despite reports suggesting the involvement of Pakistan-based terror groups.
She lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his earlier assertions that “terrorism will be treated as war,” accusing him of failing to uphold that commitment. “This government’s arrogance and inaction are endangering national security,” Shrinate remarked, further demanding answers from Home Minister Amit Shah, the Intelligence Bureau, and Delhi Police on what she termed a “total intelligence failure.”
Questions Raised Over Intelligence and Security Gaps
Following the Red Fort attack, questions have mounted over the preparedness of national intelligence and policing agencies. Opposition leaders, former bureaucrats, and security analysts have pointed to a possible breakdown in inter-agency coordination and lack of preemptive intelligence sharing.
Security experts have urged for reviewing surveillance networks across major metros, particularly around sensitive heritage sites and crowded urban zones. The Home Ministry has meanwhile directed all state police forces to remain on high alert.
Muslim Leaders Urge Calm, Reject Communalisation
Amid rising tensions and attempts by fringe elements to communalise the tragedy, several Muslim organisations and clerics have appealed for restraint and unity.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) issued a statement condemning the attack “in the strongest possible terms,” asserting that terrorism has no religion.
Community leaders across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra called on citizens not to fall prey to misinformation or hate propaganda. “Our faith does not permit violence. These are criminals, not believers,” said Maulana Qasim of Delhi’s Jama Masjid committee.
National Call for Peace and Vigilance
As political and communal discourse intensifies, civil society groups and peace activists have called for maintaining national solidarity. Citizens have been urged to support investigation efforts while resisting divisive narratives.
Public vigils and memorial events for the blast victims are being planned across several cities including Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata, emphasizing a unified message — India stands strong against terror.
A Moment of Reckoning
The Red Fort blast has once again placed terrorism and national security at the forefront of India’s political debate. While the investigation continues, the incident exposes vulnerabilities that extend beyond policing — to the integrity of governance, interfaith trust, and social harmony.
In a country that has endured decades of violence and resilience, the aftermath of the Red Fort attack serves as both a reminder and a reckoning: that the fight against terror must unite, not divide, the nation.