NEW DELHI (April 24): Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he had reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Congress’ J&K unit president Tariq Karra to receive updates on the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead and several injured.
Currently on a visit to the United States, Gandhi emphasized that the bereaved families deserve both justice and unwavering national support.
“Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation,” Gandhi wrote on social media platform X.
“The families of the victims deserve justice and our fullest support,” he added.
The Congress party has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “blot on humanity,” and urged the central government to move beyond declarations of normalcy and instead take concrete steps to prevent such incidents. The party also called for an all-party meeting to ensure transparency and build a united political front in addressing terrorism in the region.
On Tuesday, gunmen opened fire at a popular tourist location in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, claiming at least 26 lives, including those of two foreign nationals — one from the UAE and another from Nepal — as well as two local residents. Dozens were wounded in the ambush, which occurred in the scenic Baisaran valley.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the incident “the most severe attack on civilians in recent memory,” underscoring the gravity of the security lapse.
Earlier, Gandhi had condemned the assault in a heartfelt message:
“The news of tourists being killed and injured in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam is deeply saddening and utterly condemnable. I express my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to the injured.”
He further urged the central government to take ownership of the current security situation:
“Rather than issuing empty proclamations about peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the government must accept responsibility and take decisive action. The loss of innocent lives to such brutality is unacceptable and must never be repeated.”
