Direct attack on Indian State, calls for befitting response: Kharge
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the dastardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam is a “direct attack on the Indian State” and the government should give a befitting response.
Addressing a press conference here, Kharge said a meeting of Congress Working Committee will be held in the national capital on Thursday and the government should hold all-party meeting on national security.
“This is a direct attack on the Indian State. The entire nation is in shock. A Pakistani terrorist organization has claimed responsibility. We must give a befitting response. We are all one and we will fight. There should not be claims without doing or without properly managing and finger-pointing. We urge the government to use all its strength to hunt down the terrorists. It has been almost 22 hours now,” he said.
The Congress leader said the government must do everything possible to maintain tourists’ confidence in the security arrangements of Jammu and Kashmir. “The Amarnath Yatra is about to begin in a few days, and every year, lakhs of tourists take part in it. Earlier there have been such attacks in the Yatra also. So the Yatris should be protected well and security should be tightened,” he said.
He added, “Since the horrific Chittisinghpura massacre in 2000, this is among the most brazen and outrageous attempt by terrorists and separatist forces. We firmly reiterate, those who murder unarmed and innocent civilians cannot be human.”
Kharge, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said he spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Pradesh Congress Committee President, and other senior leaders of the party. “CWC shall meet tomorrow at 11 AM in AICC Office, Delhi (24 Akbar Road) to discuss regarding the same. That is why I have preponed my programme, and I am leaving for Delhi,” he said.
Kharge said tourism is also the biggest source of income for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, and since this year’s economy has collapsed, the Centre should help the people of the state.
He said that Congress expects the government to hold discussions with all political parties to address the challenge of terrorism in a spirit of consensus once the necessary actions have been taken and full information has been obtained. Congress leaders including Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, had on Tuesday strongly condemned the terror attack.ANI
For first time entire J&K is mourning: Azad
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it an assault not just on innocent lives, but on the very soul of “Kashmiriyat and humanity”.
Azad highlighted a significant shift in public sentiment, stating that for the first time, the Muslim majority of the region has openly united in grief and defiance, rejecting militancy and standing in solidarity with the victims, particularly their Hindu brothers and sisters.
“Today, if a militant asks (tourists) what is your religion, it means that Pakistan-sponsored militants have attacked our humanity and Kashmiriyat, and perhaps this is the reason why the Muslims of J-K, a Muslim majority state, have stood up against the militants and said that enough is enough. Earlier, Muslims were often accused of giving shelter to such militants. But today, they have shown that they are against such militants,” Ghulam Nabi Azad said.
“I appeal to everyone to avoid the work of dividing the population. We should instead focus on the positive message given by the Muslims of Kashmir that they are with our Hindu brothers and sisters who were killed and are against the militants,” he said.
The DPAP Chief pointed out that earlier, people used to rarely condemn similar incidents. “Maybe because they were afraid that if they spoke against militants, their lives could be in danger. But this is the first time that I’m seeing that the entire J-K is mourning, and every village, district, and city of J-K has shut down in response to the incident that happened yesterday. There was a time when support was asked for militants in a few of the mosques here in J-K. This is the first time I am seeing that in mosques, all the imams are speaking against the terrorists,” Ghulam Nabi said.
Despicable crime against humanity: Dr Farooq
National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah has strongly condemned the heinous Pahalgam terror attack as a despicable crime against humanity.
In a statement issued here, Dr Farooq expressed deep shock and anguish at the tragic loss of innocent lives in the heart-wrenching incident. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, offering thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.
“Violence has no place in a civilized society, and such acts only serve to deepen the wounds of our people,” he said.
Joining the NC chief in denouncing the attack were other prominent members of the party, including General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Treasurer Shami Oberoi, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, and several senior leaders including Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Abdul Rahim Rather, Mir Saifullah, Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, Sakina Itoo, Shameema Firdous, Mubarak Gul, Party MPs Mian Altaf Ahmad, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi; North South, central zone functionaries, the statement said.
No one will be spared: LoP Sharma
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma on Wednesday asserted that those responsible for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, will be held accountable.
Speaking to reporters outside the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar, Sharma revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his foreign visit to return to India in light of the tragic incident.
“This attack is an act of extreme cruelty. Those who are involved or supported the attackers will be punished. No one will be spared,” Sharma declared.
He condemned the brutality of the attackers, stating, “They have crossed all limits of humanity. These are not just enemies of peace but enemies of mankind. We will go after them and eliminate them one by one.”
The BJP leader also highlighted the unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir against terrorism and Pakistan. “The public outrage and protests across the region against Pakistan reflect the collective anger and determination. This unity will strengthen the morale of our security forces and help bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Blatant assault on humanity: Tarigami
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami on Wednesday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including a local pony rider from Anantnag, as “a blatant assault on collective humanity”.
“Terrorism has no religion or justification,” Tarigami said in a statement issued here, urging the people of Kashmir to stand in solidarity with the rest of the country.
The attack, which occurred in Baisaran, Pahalgam, has left the region in shock, shaking the foundations of its communal fabric, he said, adding that these cowardly acts targeting innocent civilians should be condemned universally and must not be analysed through a communal lens. He highlighted the heroic efforts of the pony rider, who died trying to protect tourists.
Following the attack, a wave of protests, candlelight vigils and shutdowns erupted across Kashmir. Both traders and political leaders joined hands in denouncing the terror attack.
The CPI(M) leader urged the central government to reassess security measures in Jammu and Kashmir to prevent such inhumane acts in the future. He claimed of been denied permission to visit the hospitals and check on the injured tourists.
“The attack strikes at the very core of the Kashmiri ethos and the livelihoods of thousands, particularly those involved in the tourism sector,” Tarigami said, adding that the tourism industry, which had been witnessing a significant revival, is now threatened. “Such an act is not just an assault on tourists, but an attack on all of us,” he added.
Sogami leads NC’s protest march
Nasir Aslam Wani, senior National Conference (NC) leader and Advisor to Chief Minister, on Wednesday led party leaders and workers in a protest march against the Pahalgam terror attack.
The march started from the party office Nawa-e-Subah and culminated at the Lal Chowk City center. The party members held placards denouncing the heinous killings in Pahalgam. They stood in solidarity with the grieving families who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident.
Dr Mustafa Kamal, Tanvir Sadiq, Shameema Firdous, Showkat Ahmad Mir, Ali Muhammad Dar, Dr Sajad Shafi Uri, Ahsan Pardesi, Imran Nabi Dar, Er. Sabiya Qadri, Syed Tawqeer Ahmad, Ifra Jan were among those present at the protest march. CM Omar Abdullah’s sons Zahir and Zamir Abdullah also participated in the protest march, the party said in a statement.
With powerful messages like “Stop innocent killings”, “United in grief”, and “Violence will never win” displayed on their placards, the party members vehemently expressed their opposition to senseless violence. They demanded justice and called for exemplary punishment for those responsible for the attack.
The protest march witnessed participation from the party’s YNC, media, social media, women’s wing, and minority wing, the statement added.
Sajad Lone leads PC’s candlelight vigil
People’s Conference (PC) president and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone led a candlelight protest at Polo View in Srinagar on Wednesday. He was joined by the party’s rank and file, to condemn the brutal Pahalgam attack that claimed innocent lives.
Addressing the media, Lone described the Pahalgam killings as “profoundly regrettable”, underscoring that “this is the gravest attack on our people in the past thirty years”.
He lamented that tourists—who come “in good faith”, stay in Kashmiri hotels, travel in local vehicles, dine in our restaurants, and shop in our markets—have been ambushed by outsiders, asking, “If they kill our guests, who bears responsibility?”
“All of Kashmir today is shedding tears of blood,” Lone continued. “These slain tourists were part of our hearts. The mass turnout in the streets must send a clear message to these nefarious elements: this is our land, and these visitors are our guests. Lay down your bullets; we will not tolerate even a glare at our guests.”
Reflecting on Kashmiri hospitality, he said, “For decades, our people have been renowned for their warmth and generosity. But now, the blood of our guests stains our conscience. It was outsiders who struck, not we, the natives.” He said the outpouring of grief and solidarity across every street and corner should serve as a stern warning to those wielding guns that such atrocities “will no longer be tolerated.”
Lone lamented the erosion of sacred traditions into “stigmatisation” but vowed, “We will not stand for it.” He condemned the terrorists’ ever-changing aliases and questioned, “Have they not already killed enough Kashmiri Muslims? They claim religion, then politics, then ideology—but neither faith nor politics justifies murder. Our religion forbids it, and so do we.”
Highlighting true Kashmiriyat, he praised a local ferryman who lost his life wrestling a rifle away to protect tourists, and those who carried the wounded to safety. “That is the essence of our culture,” he said.
Shutdown symbolises collective solidarity with victims: Bukhari
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said the complete shutdown across Jammu and Kashmir symbolises collective solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and a strong condemnation of this barbaric act. He added that violence has no support in Jammu and Kashmir, as the people here are committed to peace, dignity, and humanity.
He wrote on his X handle: “By observing a complete shutdown across Jammu and Kashmir, the people have sent a powerful and unified message, expressing their collective solidarity with the innocent victims of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam.”
He added, “Through this hartal, they have not only mourned the loss of human lives but also voiced their loud and clear disapproval of such heinous and gruesome crimes, which aim to disrupt peace and sow fear among the people.”
“The terrorists and their handlers must understand that this senseless violence has no support in Jammu and Kashmir, where the people reject all forms of violence. The terrorists will never succeed in breaking the spirit of people who have consistently demonstrated resilience and a deep commitment to peace, dignity, and humanity,” the post further reads.
Meanwhile, the Apni Party on Wednesday organised a protest demonstration in Srinagar against the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam. The protest was led by the party president Altaf Bukhari, who termed the attack “an assault on humanity” and a deliberate attempt to destabilise peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a press release issued here, senior leaders and members of the Apni Party assembled at the party headquarters in Sheikh Bagh, Srinagar, on Wednesday evening to protest the terror attack in Pahalgam. Holding black flags, the protesters raised slogans expressing solidarity with the victims and condemning the heinous act of violence. They chanted slogans in favour of communal harmony and brotherhood.
On the occasion, while speaking to reporters, Altaf Bukhari paid glowing tributes to the tourists who lost their lives in the attack. He said, “It is a tragedy regrettable beyond words. The hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are crying over this loss. We are all devastated by the grief of this human tragedy.”
Sacrifices of martyrs will not go in vain: J&K BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday organised a protest march in Srinagar’s Jawahar Nagar, led by J&K BJP President Sat Sharma, along with other senior leaders, including General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul.
Participants from various localities of the valley joined the demonstration, which transformed into a powerful gathering advocating for justice. Attendees held placards that read, “Stop Killing Innocents”, “Down with Terrorism”, and “We Want Peace”, collectively declaring that the violence represents a profound betrayal of both the region and its cultural heritage or “Kashmiriyat”, the party said in a statement.
At the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, a tribute was held for the martyrs. Sat Sharma condemned the brutal attack, emphasising the BJP’s steadfast opposition to terrorism. “The nation stands united in grief and strength. The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain,” he asserted, calling for national solidarity and support for the victims’ families.
Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma echoed the need for a united front against terrorism, saying that such acts have detrimental effects on both society and the economy. Ashok Koul reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fostering peace, security and justice in the region. The tribute concluded with candles lit in memory of the martyrs, floral tributes and a two-minute silence observed in their honour.
Mehbooba apologises to nation on behalf of Kashmir
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
Speaking during a protest at Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar, Mehbooba, , expressed deep sorrow and extended an apology to the nation on behalf of the people of Kashmir. “The attack on innocent tourists is not just an attack on lives, but an attack on Kashmiriyat. We condemn it in the strongest terms. It will not be tolerated,” she said.
Urging swift action, Mufti called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure the attackers are identified and brought to justice. “The Home Minister is here; he must act swiftly to ensure those responsible face the punishment they deserve,” she asserted.
Calling the attack “cowardly”, the PDP chief lamented the damage to Kashmir’s image as a peaceful tourist destination. “People come to Kashmir to enjoy its beauty and peace, but this attack has tarnished that image. Kashmir is ashamed of what happened, and we stand with the people of the country during this crisis.”
“I want to express my regret to the people of our nation for this tragedy. We are deeply sorry for what has occurred,” she concluded.
The PDP also staged a protest in Srinagar on Wednesday, demanding justice and peace in the wake of the tragic incident.
JDU Kulgam organises candlelight march
The Janata Dal (United) Kulgam unit, under the leadership of district president, organised a candlelight march in Kulgam to protest the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and locals.
The march was held under the instructions of JDU J&K president, G M Shaheen, to denounce this heinous act, which JD(U) condemns as a blot on humanity and an affront to the cherished values of Kashmiri hospitality.
The candlelight march saw participation from JD(U) leaders, workers, and locals, who came together to mourn the loss of lives and express their collective grief over the tragedy. Carrying candles as symbols of peace and remembrance, participants raised slogans against terrorism and called for justice for the victims.
Speaking at the event, the District President of JD(U) Kulgam said, “This barbaric attack on innocent tourists and locals is not only a crime against humanity but also an attack on the spirit of Kashmiriyat, which is rooted in hospitality, peace, and brotherhood. We stand united with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in condemning this violence and pledge to work tirelessly to restore peace in the region.”
