As victims’ bodies return home, emotional farewells unfold across India. The deadly attack—among the worst on civilians in recent years—has ignited nationwide grief, anger, and a unified call for justice
Published Apr 24, 2025 | 5:36 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 24, 2025 | 5:36 PM
Congress working committee condemns Pahalgam terror attack, calls for unity and security overhaul
Synopsis: The Congress Working Committee strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, calling it a cowardly act of cross-border terrorism allegedly masterminded by Pakistan. The CWC extended condolences, urged national unity, and warned against communal provocation. It reaffirmed the Congress party’s commitment to fighting terrorism with determination, solidarity, and a call for calm
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Thursday, 24 April, adopted a resolution condemning in the strongest terms the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and left over 20 others critically injured.
Labeling it a “heinous” and “cowardly” act, the CWC extended its “deepest condolences” to the victims’ families and expressed solidarity with the nation in this time of grief.
In the resolution passed during its emergency meeting, the CWC declared the 22 April attack a calculated act of cross-border terrorism, reportedly masterminded by Pakistan.
“This is a direct assault on the values of our Republic,” the statement read. It also alleged that the deliberate targeting of Hindu pilgrims was intended to provoke communal tensions across the country.
Calling for calm and national unity, the CWC reaffirmed the Congress party’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism with determination and solidarity. “We appeal for calm in the face of this grave provocation and reiterate our resolve to fight cross-border terrorism with unity and strength,” it stated.
The CWC also paid homage to the local pony handlers and tourist guides who came to the aid of the victims during the attack.
One local guide was reportedly martyred while attempting to protect tourists. The committee lauded their bravery, stating that such acts of selflessness “uphold the idea of India in its truest spirit.”
Raising serious questions about the security lapse, the Congress leadership demanded a comprehensive review of the intelligence and security failures that allowed such a deadly attack in a region deemed to be one of the most heavily fortified in the country.
“Pahalgam is known to have a three-tier security arrangement. As a Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir falls directly under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry,” the resolution noted.
“It is imperative that an honest and transparent investigation be conducted to understand how such a lapse occurred, and who must be held accountable.”
The party emphasised that ensuring justice for the victims goes beyond punishing the attackers—it includes examining and addressing institutional failures.
Underscoring the need for a united political front in the face of terrorism, the Congress revealed that it had called for an all-party meeting late on 22 April itself, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene it.
That meeting has since been scheduled and is expected to take place today, 24 April.
The party said this collective approach is necessary to demonstrate the will of the Indian people and to develop a coordinated national strategy to prevent future attacks.
The CWC also highlighted concerns regarding the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which annually draws lakhs of pilgrims to the region.
“Their safety must be treated as a national priority,” the resolution read, stressing the need for “robust, transparent, and proactive” security arrangements to protect both pilgrims and the livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom depend on tourism.
In a pointed remark toward the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress accused the party of attempting to “exploit this grave tragedy” for political gain.
The resolution criticised “official and proxy social media platforms” affiliated with the BJP for allegedly spreading “discord, mistrust, polarisation and division” at a time when national unity is of paramount importance.
“It is deeply unfortunate that instead of uniting the country in a time of grief and reflection, the ruling party is fanning the flames of division,” the resolution stated.
As the bodies of the victims are returned to their home states, communities across India are holding emotional farewells. The attack, one of the deadliest targeting civilians in recent years, has sparked nationwide outrage and mourning.
The Congress resolution concluded by reiterating the party’s firm belief that India must respond to terrorism with both strength and integrity. “Let our actions reflect the values of justice, unity, and peace that form the cornerstone of our Republic,” the CWC said.
The all-party meeting, expected later today, will likely focus on security measures for Jammu and Kashmir, accountability mechanisms, and steps to prevent the politicisation of national tragedies.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Saicharan Sana)
