Congress Strongly Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Calls for National Unity and Swift Justice
The Congress party on Wednesday issued a strong condemnation of the brutal terror attack in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam in South Kashmir, that killed over two dozen tourists and injured many others. Describing the incident as a “cowardly” and “inhuman” assault, the party urged the government to take decisive action and underscored the importance of national unity in confronting terrorism.
At a press conference addressed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party spokesperson Pawan Khera, and Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar, the leaders expressed deep anguish over the killings and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.
“Every single Indian is in deep shock and pain today,” Khera stated, while Kharge called the incident a direct attack on the unity and integrity of India. The attack, which took place around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, saw terrorists ambush a group of unarmed tourists, reportedly singling them out based on religion before opening fire in a premeditated massacre.
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Kharge compared the incident to the infamous Chittisinghpura massacre of 2000 and called it one of the most brazen terrorist attacks in recent history. “The Congress party unequivocally condemns this cowardly act of terror. Those who murdered innocent civilians cannot be called human,” he said.
Dialogue with Government Leaders
The Congress chief confirmed that he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other top officials to assess the ground situation. He was assured by Shah that “drastic” action would be taken against the attackers and those aiding them.
“This is a time for national solidarity, not political point-scoring,” Kharge said. “Justice must be swift, and the perpetrators must be hunted down with full force. We stand with the nation and with the families of the victims.”
|Also Read : 28 Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack: India Mourns, Security Tightened |
Economic Fallout and Appeal for Support
Highlighting the broader impact of the attack, Kharge pointed to the potential economic fallout for the region. “Kashmir’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, especially in the summer. This attack could devastate the livelihood of thousands. Since Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory, we urge the Centre to step in with economic support for the local population,” he added.
The Valley had only recently begun to see a revival in tourism after years of instability, and this latest incident threatens to once again derail progress.
Blame on Pakistan-Based Group
Kharge also pointed fingers at a Pakistan-based terror outfit believed to be behind the killings. “A Pakistani terrorist organisation has reportedly claimed responsibility for this heinous act. The government must give a fitting reply. The Congress party supports all strong and legitimate steps to eliminate these terror networks,” he said.
Call for All-Party Meeting and Yatra Security
The Congress leadership also called on the central government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “This is a national crisis that requires a united political front. We hope the Prime Minister and Home Minister will take the lead in calling all stakeholders together,” Kharge urged.
He further stressed the need for heightened security measures ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and has previously been targeted by terrorists.
CWC Meeting to Address Crisis
To review the evolving situation and formalize the party’s position, Kharge announced that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will convene an emergency meeting tomorrow. The agenda will include a detailed discussion on the Pahalgam attack, possible assistance measures, and ways to support the government in addressing the broader security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.
Background: A Troubled Region Under Threat Again
The Baisaran Valley attack marks one of the deadliest incidents involving civilian casualties in recent years in Jammu and Kashmir. While the region had seen relative calm following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, security experts warn of a potential resurgence in militant activity aimed at destabilizing the fragile peace and crippling the tourism sector.
This latest assault has brought back painful memories of past tragedies, including the 2017 Amarnath Yatra attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, and is expected to have far-reaching implications for security protocols and inter-governmental coordination in the region.
As the nation mourns, leaders across party lines have expressed solidarity, but the coming days will test the country’s collective resolve to uphold peace, justice, and unity in the face of terror.
