All-Party Meet: Opposition Supports Govt's Response To Pahalgam Attack

Leaders cutting across party lines on Thursday extended support to the actions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The government, during an all-party meeting, stated that the attack was carried out to disturb the atmosphere at a time when Jammu and Kashmir's economy was improving and tourism was booming.

Briefing reporters after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said all parties expressed solidarity with the government and stood united against terrorism. Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Union Home Ministry officials briefed party leaders on steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future, Rijiju said.

Home Minister Amit Shah was also present and interjected wherever necessary during the officials' briefing to MPs, according to news agency PTI. Defence Minister Singh detailed how the Pahalgam attack unfolded and informed the meeting of the government's subsequent decisions.

Opposition MPs shared their concerns and sentiments, but there was no "bitter exchange" during the meeting, PTI reported. 

Speaking to the media after attending the meeting, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said the opposition fully supported the government. “Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government to take any action,” Gandhi said.

TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay added that discussions also touched on security lapses. “Security lapses were discussed. We assured the government that all political parties will stand by it, whatever decisions are taken in the interest of the country,” he said.

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and dozens injured when terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The day after the attack, India said it had links to cross-border elements.

In response, India imposed punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing diplomatic ties, expelling Pakistani diplomats and senior defence officials, cancelling all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and ordering them to leave the country within 48 hours. The Indian government also shut the Attari-Wagah border crossing.

Pakistan responded by shutting the Wagah border, suspending SAARC visas for Indian citizens, closing its airspace to Indian airlines, and indicating it may suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Shimla Agreement.