Pahalgam: ‘Where Is Our Intel?’ Cong Highlights Lapses In Security

In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, the Congress party has voiced significant concerns regarding security lapses and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicizing the tragedy. The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s highest decision-making body, convened in New Delhi on April 24 to address the situation and subsequently passed a resolution urging calm while criticizing the Modi government’s approach to 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. The party emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the “intelligence failures and security lapses” that allowed such an attack to occur, alleging that Pakistan was the “mastermind” behind the Pahalgam incident.

The CWC also called for a measured response from citizens, reaffirming the Indian National Congress’ long-standing commitment to combat cross-border terrorism with unity and determination. In a bid to demonstrate national solidarity, the Congress had called for an all-party meeting on April. This was subsequently scheduled to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the evening of April 24.

Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, who had recently returned from Pahalgam where he paid tribute to the victims, expressed his concerns about the government’s preparedness. “As a journalist, what do you think? This is a genuine question that people across the country are asking,” Venugopal remarked. He added, “All the families of those who died have raised the same concern,” highlighting the widespread anxiety regarding security measures.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who cut short his visit to the United States upon hearing the news of the attack. While the Congress had previously refrained from directly criticizing PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the CWC’s strong statements indicate a shift in their stance. However, a formal demand for their resignation has not yet been made, which some observers had anticipated.

Sources indicate that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are set to attend the all-party meeting called by the Prime Minister. In a show of solidarity with the victims and as a protest against the terror attack, the Congress announced a nationwide candlelight march scheduled for April 25. “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,” Venugopal announced.

The CWC also highlighted the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims from across India. They stressed that the safety of these pilgrims must be treated as a national priority, demanding that “robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay.”

The massacre has drawn widespread condemnation from all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as from various segments of society. The Congress noted this collective outrage but added a critical observation: “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.”

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the Congress party’s calls for unity and accountability resonate amid the political turmoil, underscoring the urgent need for effective security measures and a united front against terrorism.