Bid to stoke tensions across country: CWC

The Congress on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack as a “cowardly and calculated act of terror” orchestrated by Pakistan, calling it a “direct assault on the values of our Republic”.

In a resolution passed after an emergency meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party stated that the deliberate targeting of Hindus was aimed at inflaming tensions 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 party said. The Congress also reiterated its commitment to combating cross-border terrorism with determination and unity.

The party accused the BJP of “exploiting” the tragedy through “official and proxy” social media platforms to sow polarisation. “The massacre has rightly drawn condemnation from all political parties in J&K and 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 are most needed,” it said.

Security measures curtailed recently?

The govt recently lifted Pahalgam’s security measures via an internal order, a claim it is learnt was discussed in the CWC meeting. While the party backs anti-terror efforts, questions will be raised. We’ll address this after the nation recovers, a senior party leader said.

Rahul to visit J&K today, meet injured

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will visit J&K on Friday. Earlier, he cut short his US visit after the attack and returned to Delhi.

The Congress also highlighted “intelligence failures and security lapses” in the incident, noting that Pahalgam was a heavily guarded area with 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 UT — an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry,” the party said.

It emphasised that these questions must be raised in the larger public interest, stating, “This is the only way justice can truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been so brutally devastated.”

The party paid tribute to the local ponywalas and tourist guides, one of whom was “martyred while selflessly trying to protect the tourists to uphold the idea of India”. The Congress also urged the government to implement stringent security measures for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and ensure the secure livelihood of those dependent on Kashmir’s tourism industry.

India