New Delhi, April 23: In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior party leaders from the Union Territory to get a direct briefing on the ground situation and demand firm action against those responsible.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a strongly worded statement, expressed deep anguish over the horrific loss of innocent lives, saying that the victims’ families deserve both justice and compassion. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “The perpetrators of this heinous terror attack must not go unpunished. The innocent victims must get justice.”
Kharge added that he personally spoke to Home Minister Shah, Chief Minister Abdullah, and senior Jammu and Kashmir Congress leaders late Tuesday night to convey his concern and solidarity. He also urged the central government to convene an all-party meeting, emphasizing that unity and consensus are critical to ensuring security in Jammu and Kashmir. “The Government of India must engage with all political parties to chalk out a comprehensive security strategy. Safeguarding the lives of civilians and tourists must be the highest priority,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said he was “deeply disturbed” by the cowardly terrorist strike, which has claimed at least 26 lives, mostly tourists, and left several others critically injured. The deceased include two foreigners—one from the UAE and another from Nepal—along with two local residents.
Currently on a visit to the United States, Gandhi said that he spoke to Home Minister Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K Congress President Tariq Karra for a detailed update on the tragic incident. “The families of the victims deserve our fullest support, and the entire nation must come together in this hour of pain,” he posted on X.
Calling the attack a “blot on humanity”, Gandhi said the government must move beyond “hollow claims of normalcy” in Jammu and Kashmir and assume full accountability for the deteriorating security scenario. “Instead of repeatedly claiming that the situation in J&K is under control, it’s time for the government to take concrete and effective steps to ensure that such barbaric acts are not repeated and that innocent lives are protected,” he asserted.
The Congress party has categorically demanded a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated the need to strengthen intelligence coordination and bolster protective measures, especially in high-tourism zones. It also called upon the Centre to provide adequate compensation and ensure the best medical treatment for the injured.