Pahalgam Attack: CWC Says Unity Needed, But BJP Promoting Polarization and Division

 The main opposition party, Congress, also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should chair this meeting. The CWC observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to those killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

After the meeting, senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir claimed there were issues of security and intelligence failures. He said, "There is information that some prior intelligence was available. In such a scenario, our agencies and security personnel should have been more vigilant. This is our concern." Mir added that security in the area was not as robust as before.

Resolutions Passed by the Congress Working Committee:

The CWC resolution expressed deep sorrow and condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left over 20 people seriously injured. The CWC extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stood in solidarity with them in this hour of grief.

The resolution stated that this cowardly and premeditated terrorist act, orchestrated by Pakistan, is a direct attack on the values of our republic. Hindus were deliberately targeted to inflame sentiments across the country. The CWC appealed for maintaining peace in the face of this grave provocation and reaffirmed its collective strength to confront adverse circumstances. The CWC reiterated the Indian National Congress’s long-standing resolve to combat cross-border terrorism with determination and unity.

The resolution further paid tribute to local pony-wallahs and tourist guides, one of whom was martyred while selflessly protecting tourists to uphold the idea of India. To demonstrate the nation’s collective will, the Indian National Congress had called for an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on the night of the 22nd, which has now been scheduled for today.

The CWC also highlighted that the Amarnath Yatra is set to begin soon, with millions of pilgrims from across India participating annually. Their safety must be treated as a national priority. Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be implemented 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 utmost sincerity and seriousness.

The resolution further stated that this massacre has been condemned by all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and a large section of its citizens. However, it is shocking that the BJP, through its official and proxy social media platforms, is exploiting this grave tragedy to foster more discord, mistrust, polarization, and division at a time when unity and solidarity are most needed.

The meeting, held at the Congress party’s old headquarters at 24 Akbar Road, was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and several other CWC members.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi cut short his US visit to return to India after the attack and participated in this meeting. Congress leaders observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to those killed in the Pahalgam attack.