Congress Leader Mallikarjun Kharge Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Unified Response
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday labeled the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, as a blatant assault on India’s sovereignty. He emphasized that the nation stands united with the government in its resolve to combat terrorism.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Kharge condemned the attack, which occurred around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, as a cowardly act that targeted innocent tourists. “This tragic event has left us deeply shaken and saddened. The Congress party strongly denounces this heinous act and those behind it,” he stated, describing the attack as a direct challenge to India’s unity and integrity.
Kharge highlighted the severity of the incident, noting it as one of the most audacious terrorist acts since the 2000 Chittisinghpura massacre. “Those who kill defenseless civilians cannot be considered human,” he said, reaffirming the party’s stance against such violence.
The Congress leader revealed he had spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in Kashmir, as well as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and local Congress leaders to gather details. “Shah assured me that decisive action will be taken in the region,” Kharge shared.
He announced that the Congress Working Committee would convene on April 24 at 11 am at the AICC office in New Delhi to address the attack. Kharge stressed the need for unity, saying, “This is not a time for political differences but for a collective commitment to deliver justice for the victims and their families.”
A Pakistani terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which Kharge said has shocked the nation. He called for a strong response, urging the government to deploy all resources to apprehend the perpetrators. “It has been nearly 22 hours since the attack. The government must act swiftly to restore confidence in Jammu and Kashmir’s security measures for tourists,” he added.
Kharge concluded by reiterating national solidarity, stating, “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the government to counter terrorism and protect our country’s unity and integrity.”