Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Apr 23 : The Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed deep anguish over the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Kharge as per the news agency strongly condemned the terror attack that left more than two dozen tourists dead, stating that those responsible for such heinous crimes ‘cannot be humans’.
Addressing a press conference, INC President, party spokesperson Pawan Khera and Karnataka Congress Chief D.K. Shivakumar expressed their anguish over the tragic incident and also extended their condolences to the grieving families.
Kharge said that he spoke and offered condolences to the families of the victims, stating, “This is a tragic incident. I spoke personally with the families of Manjunath and Bharat Bhushan from Karnataka. Arrangements are being made to bring them back and the government must ensure their safety and dignity.”
He said the attack, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Baisaran Valley, has left the entire nation ‘deeply hurt, shocked, and saddened’. He called the incident an outrageous act of terror and a direct assault on the unity and integrity of India.
Addressing the media, Kharge highlighted the gravity of the situation and urged the Government of India to call an all-party meeting to discuss the prevailing security situation in Kashmir. “This is not the time for blame. It is a time for unity. We must act together against terrorism,” he said.
Pawan Khera while echoing the same sentiments said that the Congress stands firmly with the government in this hour of crisis. “The Congress has always fought terrorism. We are committed to the country’s integrity and will support any action that ensures justice and security,” he stated.
He said that he has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and that he has been assured action against the culprits. “Tourism is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and such attacks are not just against people but against the future of the region,” Kharge said.
Kharge added that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Thursday, 24 April 2025, at 11 AM in AICC Office, Delhi (24 Akbar Road).
He said that the Karnataka Cabinet has also deputed Labour Minister Santosh Lad, who is meeting victims in J&K and has met nearly 200 tourists from Karnataka. “He is also arranging flights back for them. I also requested CM Omar Abdullah to make arrangements for every tourist who wants to return. Our Home Minister also promised me that he shall also look after that,” the INC President said.
He said that as the summer season was just beginning, it was the time when tourists start visiting the region. “Tourism is also the biggest source of income for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and its people. People of Kashmir depend only on tourism. So, this year’s economy has collapsed. The Government of India should help them now. At this moment, we all are one. We will be one against the terrorists,” Kharge said.
He added that this was a direct attack on the Indian state and that the entire nation was in shock. “A Pakistani terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility. We must give a befitting response. We are all one, and we will fight. There should not be claims without doing or without properly managing and finger-pointing,” he said.
He also urged the government to use all its strength to hunt down the terrorists, stating that it has been almost 22 hours now. “The government must do everything possible to maintain tourists’ confidence in the security arrangements of Jammu and Kashmir. The Amarnath Yatra is about to begin in a few days and every year, lakhs of tourists take part in it. Earlier, there have been such attacks in the Yatra also. So the Yatris should be protected well and security should be tightened,” he said.
Kharge said that the Congress Party was committed to coordination and cooperation with the government to eliminate terrorism from its roots. He said that they have consistently confronted terrorism and separatism, and their top leadership have even sacrificed their lives in this fight
