New Delhi: The Opposition has extended unequivocal support to the government of India following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives and led to one of the most severe escalations with Pakistan in recent times.
After an all-party meeting held this evening—where intelligence and government officials briefed political leaders—Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, stated, “All political parties have condemned the attack in unison and have assured the government of complete support for any action it chooses to take.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also emphasised the need for peace to return to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit the injured victims at the district hospital in Anantnag tomorrow.
Echoing similar sentiments, Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhyay said, “We stand with the Centre in its fight against terrorism. This is a moment for the entire nation to unite.” He also called for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue further.
The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon, when gunmen—believed to be linked to a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot—opened fire on a group of unsuspecting tourists in Baisaran, a popular scenic spot often referred to as “mini Switzerland.” Among the 26 killed was a Nepali national, while the others were Indian tourists from 14 different states. Several others were injured.
In response, the government has taken a series of strong diplomatic measures, including indefinitely suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting the Attari border, and revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals currently in India.
The GoI announced that all Pakistani visas—including those granted for medical purposes—would be cancelled effective Sunday. In retaliation, Pakistan has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement of 1972, which acknowledges the Line of Control. Islamabad has also declared it will scale down the Indian diplomatic presence in its High Commission.
