Pahalgam terror attack: Congress calls for investigation into intelligence failure; candlelight marches to be organised across country today

NEW DELHI: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the intelligence failure that led to a terrorist attack in a Union Territory under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, where three-tier security was breached. The CWC convened an emergency meeting and strongly condemned the attack. Expressing solidarity with those killed in Pahalgam, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal announced that candlelight marches will be organised across the country today, at both state and district levels.

The resolution passed by the Working Committee stated that the concern over the security lapse is being raised in the interest of the larger public good. It emphasised that full security must be ensured for the pilgrims participating in the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

The terrorist act, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan, is described as an attack on the core values of the Indian Republic. It noted that Hindus were deliberately targeted to inflame emotions across the country. The Committee urged for calm and collective resilience in facing such challenges. The Congress reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to unitedly confronting cross-border terrorism.

The Committee also paid tribute to the local horsemen and tourist guides who tried to protect tourists and became martyrs in the process, acknowledging their bravery and sacrifice as embodying the spirit of India.

It also criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to create polarisation and division through social media platforms in this time of crisis that calls for unity.