New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Thursday held an emergency meeting during which it strongly condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and paid tribute to the innocent lives lost.

The CWC also adopted a resolution holding Pakistan responsible for masterminding the terror attack, describing it as a direct assault on the values of the Indian Republic.

It also expressed grave concern over the security lapses that allowed such an attack to occur in a region known for its heavy security and three-tier protection system.

Before the meeting, tributes were paid to the victims of the Pahalgam attack by observing a two-minute silence.

The meeting was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and members of the Working Committee.

Addressing the media, party leader KC Venugopal said that the CWC adopted a resolution expressing its deepest shock and condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The resolution held Pakistan responsible for masterminding the terror attack, describing it as a direct assault on the values of the Indian Republic.

"The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country," the resolution read, while appealing to the people to “remain calm in the face of this grave provocation and reaffirm the collective strength in the face of adversity”.

The resolution expressed grave concern over the security lapses that allowed such an attack to occur in Pahalgam, a region known for its heavy security and three-tier protection system. It demanded a comprehensive analysis into the intelligence failures and security breaches, especially since the area falls under the direct jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry.

With the Amarnath Yatra set to begin soon, the CWC stressed the urgency of implementing strong, transparent, and proactive security measures without delay.

“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 CWC resolution said.

Slamming the BJP, the resolution accused the party of politicizing the tragedy.

“The BJP is exploiting this grave tragedy through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarisation, and division at a time when unity and solidarity are most needed,” the CWC said.

Meanwhile, the party will hold a candlelight march across the nation on Friday, at state and district levels, in solidarity with the lives lost in the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam and also against terrorism.

UNI PRS