New Delhi, April 23
The Congress party on Wednesday strongly condemned the "cowardly" terror attack that left more than two dozen tourists dead in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, stating that those responsible for such heinous crimes "cannot be humans."
Addressing a press conference, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, party spokesperson Pawan Khera, and Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar expressed their deep anguish over the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.
"Every single Indian is in deep shock and pain," Khera said.
Kharge said the attack, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Baisaran Valley, has left the entire nation "deeply hurt, shocked, and saddened." He called the incident an outrageous act of terror and a direct assault on the unity and integrity of India.
"The Congress party unequivocally condemns this cowardly act of terror and those responsible for it in the strongest possible terms. Since the horrific Chittisinghpura massacre of 2000, this is among the most brazen and outrageous attempts by terrorists and separatists," Kharge said.
"We firmly reiterate that those who murdered unarmed and innocent civilians cannot be humans," he added.
The Congress President confirmed that he has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other local leaders to assess the ground situation. He said the Home Minister assured him that "drastic" action will be taken against the culprits.