At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and several injured when terrorists opened fire at a meadow near Pahalgam town in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 2025. The attack has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting political leaders to rally in support of the government and call for decisive action against terrorism.
In the wake of this tragedy, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cut short his visit to the United States to attend a crucial Congress Working Committee meeting held earlier on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Gandhi also participated in an all-party meeting convened by the government to address the horrific attack and discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
After the meeting, Gandhi expressed the opposition's full support for the government's response to the attack. "Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government to take any action," he stated. His sentiments were echoed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who emphasized that all parties condemned the attack and stressed the need for efforts to maintain peace in the region.
The all-party meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by key Union ministers including Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Kiren Rijiju. During the discussions, security lapses were a significant topic of concern. Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay highlighted the need for accountability, stating, "Security lapses were discussed. We assured the government that all political parties will stand by the government, whatever decisions they take for the interest of the country."
In the aftermath of the attack, the Indian government announced a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, which has been accused of harboring terrorists. On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, India put the Indus Waters Treaty into abeyance and revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals currently in India, effective April 27, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, declaring that India will relentlessly pursue every terrorist and their supporters.
The attack occurred in the scenic meadows of Baisaran, often referred to as 'mini Switzerland', where terrorists from a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot opened fire on a group of unsuspecting tourists. Among the victims, one was a Nepali national, while the others hailed from 14 different states across India.
As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, the government is under pressure to respond effectively. AAP MP Sanjay Singh voiced the public's sentiment, stating, "The entire nation is angry, sad, and the nation wants the central government to give a befitting reply to the terrorists in their language." He called for decisive action against terrorist camps and accountability for the security lapses that allowed this tragedy to occur.
In a significant escalation following the attack, the government canceled all visas, including medical visas, of Pakistani nationals currently in India. This decision is seen as a strong diplomatic response, though it has raised concerns about the potential for further deterioration in India-Pakistan relations. Islamabad has threatened to suspend all agreements between the two countries, including the Simla Pact of 1972, which validates the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
As political leaders unite in condemnation of the attack, the focus remains on restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Anantnag on Friday, April 25, 2025, to meet with the injured victims currently receiving treatment in the district hospital. His visit underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for solidarity in the face of terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in recent times, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. The tragic loss of life has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism.
In conclusion, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this horrific attack, the call for unity and decisive action against terrorism remains paramount. The government and opposition leaders alike are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that such tragedies do not occur again.
