Congress calls for analysis on ‘intelligence failures’, ‘security lapses’ that led to Pahalgam terror attack

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal observe a moment of silence for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack during a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, in New Delhi on April 24, 2025. Photo: X/@INCIndia via PTI

The Congress Working Committee has sought a comprehensive analysis on “the intelligence failures and security lapses” that led to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 21, 2025, that led to the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists. The party also blamed Pakistan for “masterminding” the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Congress Working Committee met at 24, Akbar Road headquarters, on Thursday (April 24, 2025), hours before an all-party meeting called by the Centre to discuss the terror attack. The Congress had asked the government to conduct an all-party meeting on April 22. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and former party chief Rahul Gandhi attended the meeting, which condemned the attack.

Pahalgam terrorist attack: Follow LIVE updates on April 24, 2025

“This cowardly and calculated act of terror, mastermind by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country,” the CWC resolution said, appealing for calm in the face of this grave provocation.

“Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area, secured by a three-tier security arrangement. It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union Territory — an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry. These questions must be raised in the larger public interest. This is the only way justice can truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been so brutally devastated,” a resolution adopted by the CWC said.

The CWC paid tributes to the local ponywalas and tourist guides, “one of whom was martyred while selflessly trying to protect the tourist to uphold the idea of India”.

Noting that Amarnath Yatra was set to commence soon, the party said the safety of the pilgrims must be treated as a national priority. “Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay. The safety of pilgrims, as well as the livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom depend on tourism, must be protected with full sincerity and seriousness,” the resolution said.

The party also condemned the BJP for allegedly exploiting the tragedy “through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarisation and division at a time when unity and solidarity is most needed”.

Mr. Kharge and Mr. Rahul Gandhi are likely to attend the all-party meeting convened by the Centre, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday (April 24, 2025).