New Delhi: Condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Tuesday criticised the Centre, calling its claims of normalcy in the valley “hollow” and demanded accountability from the government.
In a post on X, Gandhi, who is visiting the United States, said the government should take “concrete steps” to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and loss of lives in the future.
“The news of the death of tourists and injuries to many in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely condemnable and heartbreaking. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.
जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम में हुए कायराना आतंकी हमले में पर्यटकों के मारे जाने और कई लोगों के घायल होने की ख़बर बेहद निंदनीय और दिल दहलाने वाली है।
मैं शोकाकुल परिवारों के प्रति गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं और घायलों के जल्द स्वस्थ होने की आशा करता हूं।
आतंक के खिलाफ पूरा देश…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 22, 2025
“The whole country is united against terrorism. Instead of making hollow claims of the situation being normal in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should now take accountability and take concrete steps so that such barbaric incidents do not happen in the future and innocent Indians do not lose their lives like this,” Gandhi posted.
The attack, which took place at a prime tourist location in south Kashmir, claimed at least 25 lives and injured at least 20, according to security establishment sources.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also reacted strongly. Calling the attack a “blot on humanity”, he said 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 Government of India to take corrective measures to ensure the same,” he posted on X.
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…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 22, 2025
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge of communication, publicity and media, called the terror attack on tourists “dastardly” and “cowardly”.
“This is a time for exhibiting a cohesive collective will. The Union Govt should immediately call an all-Party meeting and take all political parties into confidence. This attack cannot and must not go unanswered effectively,” he wrote on X.
The Indian National Congress condemns in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and cowardly terror attack on tourists in Kashmir today. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the recovery of those injured.
This is a time for exhibiting a… https://t.co/RzCi7pCa1h
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 22, 2025
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also denounced the attack, saying such violence is “unacceptable”.
“Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks,” Mufti posted on X.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
Also Read: At least 25 killed in terror attack at tourist spot in Kashmir’s Pahalgam; Shah to reach J&K today
