In a rare show of unity, the Opposition has extended full support to the Centre following the Pahalgam massacre, which left 26 dead in one of the most devastating terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. The brutal attack, carried out by a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, has triggered a strong diplomatic and political response, including possible military repercussions.
After a high-level all-party meeting on Tuesday evening, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi declared: “All political parties have uniformly condemned it and the Opposition has given full support to the government to take any action.” The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and senior intelligence officials, who briefed lawmakers on the incident.
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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the sentiment, stating, “We want peace to be restored in Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible.” Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Anantnag tomorrow to meet the injured victims recovering at the district hospital.
Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhyay added to the chorus of support, emphasizing unity in the face of terrorism: “We are with the Center in the fight against terrorism. The country should fight it unitedly. The heads of all political parties have given the Prime Minister a message.” He also sought a direct meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noted that senior Intelligence Bureau officials provided detailed briefings to MPs, explaining the security lapses and context of the attack: “Senior officials of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the government briefed all the MPs about where the lapse happened and under what circumstances this terrorist attack took place.”
The terror attack in Baisaran, a popular tourist destination often called “mini Switzerland,” targeted a group of unarmed tourists. Among the 26 victims, 25 were Indian nationals from 14 different states, while one was from Nepal. Several others were critically injured.
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In immediate retaliation, the government initiated a series of non-military measures. These include the indefinite suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, closure of the Attari border, and revocation of all visas held by Pakistani nationals, including medical visas. While official statements remain measured, military action has not been ruled out, echoing the precedent of surgical strikes and airstrikes conducted post-Uri and Pulwama attacks.
The swift diplomatic fallout underscores the gravity of the Pahalgam terror attack and the government’s intention to respond decisively. National unity, particularly in Parliament, signals a rare bipartisan front against terrorism as India mourns and prepares for the road ahead.
