In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which claimed multiple lives and left several injured, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi have strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the perpetrators.
Kharge took to social media platform X late Wednesday, saying:
“The perpetrators of this heinous terror attack must not go unpunished. This cross-border terror attack should be responded to with an adequate and resolute reply.”
Kharge informed that he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior Congress leaders in Jammu and Kashmir to take stock of the situation. He also urged the Government of India to consult all political parties and step up efforts to ensure the safety of tourists in the union territory.
Rahul Gandhi Echoes Appeal for Unity
Rahul Gandhi, who also reached out to Shah, Omar Abdullah, and J&K Congress President Tariq Karra, reiterated his solidarity with the victims. In his post, he stated:
“Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support.”
Kashmir Bandh and Public Outrage
The political community across Jammu and Kashmir has united in condemning the attack. Several parties and civil society groups have backed a Kashmir Bandh as a mark of protest and solidarity.
Candlelight marches and peaceful protests were held across Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Kupwara, and Akhnoor, with taxi drivers and local residents leading the symbolic demonstrations in Pahalgam itself.
In Jammu, Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest denouncing the attack and demanding justice for the victims.
Government’s Response and Security Measures
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday night, chaired a high-level security meeting with intelligence and defense officials. Shah reiterated that:
“Those responsible for this dastardly act of terror will not be spared.”
The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched search operations in the Baisran area near the attack site in Anantnag district. In parallel, Delhi Police has also been placed on high alert, especially around tourist locations and sensitive zones in the capital.
The coordinated responses from political leadership, civil society, and security agencies reflect a growing resolve to ensure that such acts of terror do not derail peace and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.