Pahalgam: ‘Where is our intelligence?’ Congress highlights security lapses

The principal Opposition party, at its emergency session over the terrorist attack, has announced a nationwide candlelight march on 25 April, Friday

Congress leaders observe a moment of silence in at AICC HQ in Delhi (photo: AICC)
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NH Political Bureau

Two days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the Congress party has raised serious concerns about security lapses and accused the ruling BJP of politicising the tragedy.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) — the party’s top decision-making body — met in New Delhi on Thursday, 24 April, to discuss the situation and passed a resolution calling for calm while criticising the Modi government’s handling of security.

“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,” the CWC resolution stated.

Calling for a comprehensive analysis on “the intelligence failures and security lapses”, the the party also alleged that Pakistan was “masterminding” the Pahalgam terror attack.

At the same time, the CWC appealed for a calm, considered response from citizens, even as it reaffirmed the Indian National Congress' longstanding resolve to combat cross-border terrorism with determination and unity.

In order to demonstrate the collective will of the nation, the Indian National Congress on 22 April called for an all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That meeting has now been scheduled for Thursday evening.

Responding to media queries about the resolution, senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal — who has returned from Pahalgam, where he went to pay tribute to the victims yesterday — questioned the government’s preparedness.

“This is not an attack on the BJP. But do you not see a security lapse?
K.C. Venugopal

“As a journalist, what do you think? This is a genuine question that people across the country are asking,” said Venugopal. “All the families of those who died have raised the same concern,” he added.

The meeting was also attended by leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who cut short his visit to the United States as news of the attack came in.

While the Congress had thus far refrained from directly criticising PM Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, the CWC’s strong remarks signal a shift in its stance. However, a formal demand for their resignation has not been made — which was anticipated by some observers.

Sources say that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will attend the all-party meeting called by the prime minister.

In a show of solidarity with the victims and as a mark of protest against the terror attack, the Congress also announced a nationwide candlelight march on 25 April, Friday. The demonstrations will be held at both state and district levels.


"On 25 April, we will be organising a candlelight march across the nation, at state and district levels, in solidarity with the lives lost in the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam and also against terrorism," announced Venugopal.

The CWC also noted that the Amarnath Yatra is set to commence shortly. Lakhs of pilgrims from across India participate in this annual journey, and their safety must be treated as a national priority, it said.

“Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay,” it demanded.

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.
CWC resolution on Pahalgam attack

The massacre has rightly drawn condemnation from all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and from a wide cross-section of its citizens, the Congress noted — but added a stricture:

“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.”

The full text of the resolution may be read below.

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