In the aftermath of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has written directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to call a special session of Parliament to discuss the incident and India’s broader counterterrorism strategy.
The April 22 attack in the tourist-rich region of Pahalgam left 26 civilians dead and more than 30 injured. According to official sources, the attackers were heavily armed, trained, and had scoped the location days in advance—pointing to a well-planned assault with potential cross-border links.
In his letter, Kharge wrote, “This attack is not just an attack on civilians—it is an attack on India’s unity, diversity, and internal security. We owe it to the victims and the nation to respond not with rhetoric, but with resolve. A special session of Parliament is needed now more than ever.”
Public Trust at Stake
Kharge’s demand is grounded in the growing public perception that the government has failed to match its assurances with action. Since 2019, the Centre has claimed that normalcy had returned to Jammu and Kashmir. But the Pahalgam incident—especially the reported targeting of civilians based on religious identity—has triggered widespread anxiety.
Political analysts argue that unless the government engages with the opposition and provides a clear strategy forward, trust in the system could erode. “This is not just about policy; it’s about public confidence,” said Dr. Nisha Menon, a professor of political science at Delhi University.
A Platform for National Unity?
Interestingly, Kharge’s proposal has found support even beyond traditional Congress allies. The DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), and even some voices from BJP-ruled states have expressed openness to a special session focused on terrorism and national security.
Congress has proposed the following objectives for such a session:
- A government-led briefing on the Pahalgam attack
- Review of India’s counterterrorism architecture
- Recommendations for preventing religiously-motivated attacks
- Establishing a standing parliamentary committee on internal security
“This is an opportunity to show national unity. When Parliament speaks in one voice, the country listens,” said senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram.
PMO Response
While the Prime Minister’s Office has not yet issued a formal response to Kharge’s letter, insiders suggest that a special session is unlikely. However, a high-level security meeting involving intelligence, military, and state officials has already been conducted, and a white paper may be tabled in the upcoming monsoon session.
In a brief public statement, Modi condemned the Pahalgam attack and stated, “Those behind this heinous act will face the full force of justice. We will not let terror define our future.”
National and International Repercussions
The attack has drawn global condemnation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued strong statements condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with India. “There can be no justification for terrorism. We stand with the people of India,” Blinken said.
Domestically, the tragedy has also prompted civil society groups and religious organizations to call for peace and communal harmony. On April 25, interfaith prayer meetings were held across several cities to honor the victims.
Conclusion
The call for a special Parliament session is more than a political move—it is a reflection of national grief and urgency. Whether the Modi government agrees to the proposal or not, the message from Kharge and the broader public is clear: the country needs answers, unity, and decisive action in the face of terror.