Srinagar: The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, in which 26 tourists lost their lives, plunged the entire country into anger and grief. Lashkar-e-Taiba’s wing TRF took responsibility for the attack, after which the government called an all-party meeting. All parties showed solidarity against terrorism, but the Congress demanded accountability by asking six sharp questions to the government on security lapse and intelligence failure.

Congress’s questions put the government in the dock
The Congress posted a video on social media and questioned the government: “How did the security lapse happen? How did the intelligence fail? How did the terrorists enter the border? Who is responsible for the death of 28 people? Will the Home Minister resign? Will PM Modi take responsibility?” The party claimed that despite the three-tier security system in Kashmir, the terrorists reached Baisaran Valley, which shows the failure of the Home Ministry. Congress leader Priyank Kharge said, “When the Home Minister is busy toppling governments, such lapses happen.” The party also questioned claims that demonetisation has ended terrorism.

Opposition’s unity in all-party meeting

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi participated in the all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 24. Kharge said, “This incident has shocked the country; we will support every step of the government.” Rahul Gandhi also assured full support to the government against terrorism, but questioned the security lapse. Home Minister Amit Shah admitted, “lapses happened, otherwise we would not have been sitting here.” The government said that Baisaran Valley was opened for tourists without any information, which the terrorists took advantage of.

Challenges ahead

The attack has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism and economy. The Congress demands an impartial inquiry into the security lapse and action against the culprits.