‘Shameful Act’: Rahul Gandhi and Kharge Denounce Terror Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam
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Synopsis
On April 22, 2023, leaders from Congress and opposition parties vehemently criticized the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge called for accountability and stronger security measures to prevent future incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi calls for action against terrorism.
- Mallikarjun Kharge condemns the attack as a stain on humanity.
- Victims included tourists from various states, notably Karnataka.
- Emergency meetings convened by local leaders to address the situation.
- Security measures are being reinforced in response to the incident.
New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) Prominent leaders from the Congress party, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with several opposition figures, unequivocally denounced the despicable terror assault on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir.
Stressing that the nation stands united against terrorism, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, urged the government to implement measures to avert such “barbaric acts” in the future.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi expressed, “The reports of casualties among tourists and injuries to many in the appalling terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir are utterly condemnable and deeply distressing.”
“I convey my sincere condolences to the grieving families and wish for the swift recovery of the injured. The entire nation is united against terrorism. Rather than making empty assertions about the normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should take responsibility and initiate effective actions to prevent such heinous incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of innocent Indians,” Gandhi stated.
Congress President Kharge remarked in a post on X, “The whole country is united in combating the menace of cross-border terrorism. These heinous targeted attacks represent a stain on humanity. Reports indicate that precious lives have been lost.”
Kharge continued, “On behalf of the Congress party, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured. India’s National Security is of utmost importance, and we call upon the government to undertake necessary actions to safeguard it.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned the attack, highlighting that tourists from his state were affected. “I strongly denounce the atrocious terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. Kannadigas are among the victims of this shocking incident. Upon learning of the attack, I convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation with the Chief Secretary and senior police officials,” he stated in a social media update.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the incident, stating on X, “The cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is an extremely condemnable and disgraceful act. Targeting unarmed innocent civilians is a crime against humanity. This is utterly unacceptable. The entire nation stands united against terrorism and strongly denounces it. Reports indicate that many tourists have lost their lives in this attack. May God grant peace to the departed souls. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha also spoke out against the attack, stating, “The vicious assault on tourists in Pahalgam is an unforgivable act of cowardice. No cause or grievance can justify such inhumanity. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured and strength for the affected families. Those responsible for this brutality are enemies of peace and must be dealt with severely in the pursuit of justice,” he added in a post on X.
Mehbooba Mufti of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) expressed her condemnation of the attack in Pahalgam, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This senseless violence serves no purpose and only inflicts pain. There can be no justification for such acts,” according to a message on the official social media account of PDP.
Reports indicate that 2 to 3 terrorists dressed in army fatigues approached and opened fire on horse-riding tourists in the Baisran area around 2:30 p.m. Baisran is a small meadow located 3 to 4 km from the Pahalgam market, which tourists reach on horseback due to the absence of a motorable road.
“One tourist was killed in this attack, and several others, including tourists and locals, sustained injuries. The injured have been transported to Pahalgam hospital, where those in critical condition were later transferred to Srinagar for specialized medical care,” an official reported, adding that security forces have cordoned off the area to pursue the assailants.
Sources suggest that the casualty count may rise.
