New Delhi:Terming the Pegasus row a "major issue of national security", senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Malikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Centre of not allowing a debate and discussion on multiple issues ranging from farmers, inflation, Mizoram-Assam border dispute, and Chinese aggression. He also said that the Pegasus issue is a matter of people's freedom and accused the Central government of curtailing it in a democratic set-up.
Speaking to the media, Kharge said, "The Opposition wants a debate on the Pegasus issue. There are other issues as well which include farmers, inflation, Mizoram-Assam border dispute, Chinese aggression. These are among many those issues which the government does not want to discuss and is not allowing a debate upon them. Pegasus is a big issue raising concerns over national security. It is also a matter of people's freedom which is being curtailed in a democratic set-up."
The opposition has alleged that names of several Indian politicians, journalists, lawyers and activists have appeared on the leaked list of a potential target for surveillance by the unidentified agency using Pegasus software. This comes following reports published by The Wire. Responding to a question on the Assam government's recent advisory, Kharge said "This proves that the Home Minister has failed in fulfilling his responsibility. They should seek intelligence input and use it to save the people, but they are unable to do so which is the failure of the Home Ministry.
The Assam government on Thursday issued a travel advisory for state residents asking them to avoid travelling to Mizoram amid a border dispute between the neighbouring states. "Given the critical prevailing situation, the people of Assam are advised not to travel to Mizoram as any threat to the personal safety of people of Assam cannot be accepted," said the advisory issued by MS Manivannan, Commissioner and secretary, Home and political department.