In the wake of the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians and tourists dead, the Congress party on Wednesday made a rare appeal for political unity, signalling support to the Union government’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. The BJP-led government, meanwhile, is reportedly considering an all-party meeting to brief opposition leaders and build a national consensus on tackling terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack, carried out by heavily armed militants in Baisaran Valley, has sent shockwaves across the country. Among the victims were a Navy officer, an Intelligence Bureau official, and families from various Indian states.
Mallikarjun Kharge: “This Is Not the Time for Partisan Politics”
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the massacre as a “direct assault on the unity and integrity of our nation.” He revealed that he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah late Tuesday night.
“This is not a time for partisan politics. It is a moment for collective resolve to ensure justice for those who lost their lives… We are all one,” Kharge wrote.
My remarks on the cowardly #PahalgamTerroristAttack —
1. The dastardly killing of innocent, unsuspecting tourists by terrorists in Pahalgam yesterday around 2:30 PM has deeply hurt, shocked, and saddened us all. The Congress Party unequivocally condemns this cowardly act of…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 23, 2025
He added that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will convene on Thursday morning to discuss the situation in detail.
Congress Backs Government, Urges Focus on Victim Justice
Calling for calm, cooperation, and consensus, Kharge reiterated that the Congress Party stands firmly behind the effort to crush terrorism. He urged the government to use “all its strength” to hunt down the terrorists and restore public confidence in security, especially with the Amarnath Yatra just days away.
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“The government must do everything possible to maintain tourists’ confidence in Jammu and Kashmir’s security. The Yatris must be protected, and security should be tightened.”
He also emphasized the economic importance of tourism for Jammu and Kashmir, urging the government to extend financial aid to those who depend on the sector for their livelihood.
“Take Advice, Not Sides”: Congress Urges All-Party Meet
Kharge also called on the Centre to hold discussions with all political parties, not just to inform them but to seek advice and ensure national unity in the fight against terrorism.
“This is not politics, and we don’t want politics in this situation… We are one against the terrorists.”
He concluded his statement by reminding the public of the Congress Party’s long-standing stand against terrorism, noting that several members of its leadership had made the “ultimate sacrifice” in this ongoing fight.
Government Considers All-Party Meeting
Senior government sources confirmed that the Modi government is considering calling an all-party meeting to brief opposition parties on the Pahalgam attack. “A senior minister may be asked to speak to opposition leaders to share all known facts. A decision will be made after Home Minister Amit Shah returns to Delhi and the Cabinet Committee on Security meets,” the NDTV quoted a source as saying.
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This approach is reminiscent of the 2019 Pulwama attack, after which an all-party meeting chaired by then Home Minister Rajnath Singh was convened.
The rare show of unity between the ruling party and the opposition signals a growing political consensus on confronting Pakistan-backed terror groups. The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, which was reportedly executed by well-trained infiltrators using camouflage and high-powered assault weapons.
This terror incident has rekindled concerns about tourist safety, Amarnath Yatra security, and Pakistan’s continuing support for cross-border terrorism. The attack, timed just weeks ahead of the annual religious pilgrimage, has sparked fears of further disruptions in the region.
