Subhechcha Ganguly 
At a high-level all-party meeting held on Thursday, the central government briefed political leaders on the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was convened to present the government’s assessment of the incident and its response measures.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, addressing the media after the meeting, stated that all parties expressed solidarity with the government in its fight against terrorism. “There was unanimous condemnation of the attack, and every party supported firm action against terror and those behind it,” Rijiju said.
Officials from the Intelligence Bureau and Union Home Ministry informed party leaders about ongoing efforts to prevent further attacks, emphasizing that the Pahalgam assault was a calculated attempt to disrupt national harmony during a period of peace and economic resurgence in the Valley.
While political parties stood united in condemning the violence, the opposition—led by the Congress—raised concerns over security preparedness. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said his party supported the government’s response but highlighted possible “security lapses” that enabled the attack. Rahul Gandhi added that the opposition extended full support to the government while urging greater vigilance.
Kharge also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have attended the meeting to directly hear the concerns of all political parties.
In response to the attack and its suspected cross-border links, India has already initiated a diplomatic downgrade with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani military attachés, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and ordered the shutdown of the Attari land transit post.
The government assured leaders that it remains committed to enhancing security and taking decisive action against terrorism and those who support it.
