India united on Pahalgam attack: Opposition including Rahul Gandhi gave full support to the government, announced strict action

New Delhi: The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 shook the whole country. 28 people were killed and 17 injured in this attack carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), an ally of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Baisaran Valley. After this attack, the central government has received unprecedented support from the opposition. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said after the all-party meeting, "Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. The opposition has given full support to the government to take any action." #PahalgamUnited and #RahulGandhi are trending on X. Let us understand this national unity and government action with facts. 

Pahalgam attack and national unity

On April 22, terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran Valley, killing 25 Indians, one Nepali, and two local civilians. According to a News18 report, the terrorists, who were described by the TRF as “Pakistan-backed”, attacked after asking the religious identity of the victims. The attack raised questions about tourism and security in Kashmir.

The attack led to an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 24, which was attended by several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, SP’s Ram Gopal Yadav, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi. The meeting paid tribute to the martyrs by observing two minutes of silence. “All parties condemned the attack and demanded efforts for peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” Kharge said.

Rahul Gandhi's statement and opposition's support

Rahul Gandhi, who returned to Delhi after the attack, cutting short his US trip, said after the all-party meeting, "The opposition will fully support whatever action the government takes against the Pahalgam terror attack." He had earlier spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Karra. "The victim families will get justice and our full support," he wrote on Twitter. Rahul will visit the injured at the government hospital in Anantnag on April 25.

The Congress had called the attack a "blot on humanity" and demanded accountability from the government. However, the opposition put aside political differences and displayed national unity at the all-party meeting. TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, "Questions were raised on security lapses, but all parties are with the government against terrorism." 

Government action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia tour and convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on April 23. Five major decisions were taken in the meeting:

1. Indus Water Treaty suspension: The 1960 treaty has been suspended until Pakistan stops terrorism.
2. Attari border closure: Attari-Wagah check post closed, trade and movement banned.
3. Diplomatic move: Military advisors of Pakistani High Commission declared as undesirable, staff reduced from 55 to 30.
4. Visa cancellation: All visas of Pakistani citizens cancelled from April 27, ordered to leave India within 48 hours.
5. Global support: 20 countries including the US, UK, and Israel supported India's steps.

Security lapse and future steps

According to an India Today report, the government admitted security lapse in Baisaran Valley in an all-party meeting. The local administration had opened the area without informing security agencies, which remains restricted till the Amarnath Yatra. The government now plans to increase coordination with drone surveillance, CRPF checkpoints, and local guides.

Public and global reaction

The public on X praised the opposition and government for their solidarity. @Inindia

wrote, “The opposition has given full support to the government for any action.” Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance condemned the attack.