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After sending out an unambiguous political message that it would support the BJP-led NDA government’s actions to bring perpetrators of the ruthless Pahalgam terror attack to justice, the Congress party Thursday brought up the issue of “intelligence and security lapses” that “enabled” the outrage, even as it slammed the BJP for allegedly using “official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarisation and division” in the wake of the tragedy.
The emergency meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) discussed the unprecedented terror attack on tourists in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the government’s diplomatic response and the way forward. While the Congress had demanded convening of an all-party meeting, sources said the CWC discussed the issue of the party’s participation amid indications that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah may not attend the all-party meeting.
Sources said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sought the CWC’s approval for participation at the all-party meeting and about the level of its representation. The CWC, sources said, was unanimous in its view that the party should attend the meeting. The final view was that both the Leaders of the Opposition – Kharge and Rahul Gandhi – should attend the meeting and put forth the party’s views in clear terms. While Kharge appeared to be in two minds, All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer Ajay Maken strongly argued that both the LoPs should attend the meeting. Echoing Maken, Abhishek Singhvi said if the PM is skipping the meeting, then it is all the more important for the LoPs to attend it.
Rahul is also visiting Kashmir on Friday, where he will go to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Anantnag to meet those who were injured in the Pahalgam attack.
The Congress has so far shied away from talking about intelligence and security failures. Kharge had argued Wednesday that it was not the time for “partisan politics” and that it was the “moment for collective resolve to ensure justice for those who lost their lives and for their grieving families, by bringing the perpetrators of the terror attack to justice.”
One day later, at the CWC meeting, most leaders felt the party should highlight security and intelligence issues as well. Accordingly, the resolution adopted by the CWC said: “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.”
While several survivors of the terror attack have said that the terrorists had identified Hindus before killing them, the party had so far not mentioned that. Today, the CWC resolution stated that “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,” the CWC said. In the same vein, the party also spoke about the need for providing security to the pilgrims of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
Kharge had in his statement Wednesday demanded that the Amarnath Yatris should be protected well and security should be tightened. The CWC echoed it, noting that “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,” it said. Sources said some party leaders said the valour shown by locals should also find a mention.
The resolution said the “CWC 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.”
Sources said several Congress leaders pointed out the “insensitive” posts on social media handles associated with the BJP, including the one put by BJP’s Chhattisgarh X handle. The CWC said, “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.”
In a post on X later in the day, AICC general secretary in charge of organisation K C Venugopal said, “In solidarity with the victims of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack and in strong condemnation of this inhuman act, Congress workers across all states and districts will hold candlelight marches on 25th April 2025 to honour the victims and reaffirm our unity against terrorism.”
Venugopal also said, “All Samvidhan Bachao rallies scheduled for 25th and 26th April stand postponed. The Samvidhan Bachao rallies will resume from 27th April onwards.”
