CWC expresses its deepest shock and condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam

Resolution Adopted By Congress Working Committee, Delhi, April 24, 2025

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) expresses its deepest shock and condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left more than 20 others grievously injured. The Congress Working Committee extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families. It stands with them wholeheartedly in this moment of profound anguish.

This cowardly and calculated act of terror, mastermind by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country. We appeal for calm in the face of this grave provocation and reaffirm our collective strength in the face of adversity. The CWC appeals for calm and reaffirms the Indian National Congress’ longstanding resolve to combat cross-border terrorism with determination and unity.

CWC also pays tribute to the local ponywalas and tourist guides, one of whom was martyred while selflessly trying to protect the tourist to uphold the idea of India.

In order to demonstrate the collective will of the nation, the Indian National Congress had, on the night of the 22nd itself, called for an All-Party meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. This meeting has now been scheduled for today.

Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area, secured by a three-tier security arrangement. It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union Territory — an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry. These questions must be raised in the larger public interest. This is the only way justice can truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been so brutally devastated.

The CWC also notes that the Amarnath Yatra is set to commence shortly. Lakhs of pilgrims from across India participate in this annual journey, and their safety must be treated as a national priority. Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay. The safety of pilgrims, as well as the livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom depend on tourism, must be protected with full sincerity and seriousness.

The massacre has rightly drawn condemnation from all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and from a wide cross-section of its citizens. However, it is shocking that the BJP is exploiting this grave tragedy through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarisation and division at a time when unity and solidarity is most needed.

Resorting to violence is an act of cowardice: Smt. Sonia Gandhi

In a statement released by Congress Parliamentary Party’s Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi on April 22, 2025, she said, “I am deeply saddened and devastated, to learn of the dastardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region.

Resorting to violence is an act of cowardice and needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms.

I understand the pain of families who have lost their loved ones and extend my deepest condolences to them. I also pray for the complete and speedy recovery of those injured.

The entire country stands united against terror. We share a deep resolve to defeat these divisive and violent forces. We need to work to build the broad social consensus against terror that existed in the past.

It is imperative that the safety of our citizens is ensured and peace is restored to the region.”

These dastardly targeted attacks are a blot on humanity: Shri Mallikarjun Kharge

In a message by the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, he said, “I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The entire nation is united in fighting the scourge of cross-border terrorism.

These dastardly targeted attacks are a blot on humanity. News reports indicate that precious lives have been lost.

On behalf of the Congress Party, my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured.

India’s National Security is paramount and we urge the GOI to take corrective measures to ensure the same.”

The whole nation is united against terrorism: Shri Rahul Gandhi

In a message by the Leader of Opposition (LS) Shri Rahul Gandhi, he said, “The news of tourists getting killed and many people getting injured in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely condemnable and heart-wrenching.

I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The whole country is united against terrorism. Instead of making hollow claims of the situation being normal in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should take accountability and take concrete steps so that such barbaric incidents do not happen in future and innocent Indians do not lose their lives like this.”

On April 24, 2025, an emergency CWC meeting was held at 24, Akbar Road, New Delhi to discuss the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack. The meeting began with a two-minute silence for paying homage to the deceased personalities. Hon’ble Congress President presided over the meeting. CPP chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and all other CWC members attended this meeting. In this meeting, the resolution was also passed.