Rahul Gandhi, Kharge urge unified response after Pahalgam terror attack, speak to Amit Shah, Omar

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed at least 26 people, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge spoke separately to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Both leaders sought immediate updates on the situation and urged for a unified national response to ensure justice for victims and enhanced security in the region.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, stated he spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and J&K Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Karra. In a post on X, Gandhi said he “received an update on the situation” and added, “The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support.” Gandhi is currently visiting the United States.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress president, said he spoke to Shah, Abdullah, and senior leaders from the Jammu and Kashmir Congress late Tuesday night. In a post on X, Kharge said, “The perpetrators of this heinous terror attack must not go unpunished. The innocent victims must get justice.” He described the Pahalgam killings as a “despicable carnage” and called for “unity in action” following the attack.

Kharge called on the central government to initiate consultations with all political parties to strengthen security in Jammu and Kashmir and ensure the safety of tourists. “Government of India must talk to all the political parties to ensure security in Jammu and Kashmir and make every possible effort to ensure the safety of tourists,” his post read.

The attack occurred Tuesday at a popular tourist area in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, killing at least 26 people, including two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal and two local residents. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the attack was “much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years.” Following the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar and held a security review meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Shah is expected to visit Pahalgam later Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held meetings with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after returning from Saudi Arabia.