Resolution adopted by the Congress working committee on May 14, 2025

Goa Khabar : The Congress Working Committee expresses its deepest condolences to the martyred soldiers, officers, civilians killed in Poonch, and their families. The nation stands united in grief and resolve. The Indian armed forces have time and again risen to the occasion, defending the sovereignty and integrity of our nation with valour. The Congress Party reiterates its complete support to our armed forces.

However, the attack in Pahalgam raises deeply troubling questions about an apparent intelligence failure. Despite heightened tensions and known threats in the region, the terrorists managed to execute a major attack, claiming precious lives. While we wait for an official assessment, it is unfortunate that no accountability has yet been fixed. The terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack remain at large, and the Congress Working Committee demands their immediate apprehension and prosecution. The government must explain how such a lapse was allowed to occur and why necessary preventive measures were not taken despite clear warnings. National security cannot be managed through public relations exercises on television, it demands professional rigour, vigilance, and institutional accountability.

Equally surprising was the abrupt end to India’s retaliatory action against Pakistan, which has left behind a trail of unanswered questions. The sudden halt, without clarity or communication, has led to speculation and concern across the country. Adding to this is the deeply problematic statement by the U.S. President Donald Trump, who was the first to claim that a ceasefire was brokered with the use of trade threats and pressure on India. The Government of India’s silence on this matter is inexplicable and unacceptable. Successive Indian governments, cutting across party lines, have firmly maintained that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. President Trump’s assertion, unchallenged by the Modi Government, has internationalised a matter that must remain firmly within bilateral frameworks. This represents a dangerous and unprecedented hyphenation of India with Pakistan, which compromises our national position and prestige.

The Congress Working Committee also strongly condemns the appalling statements of a senior BJP Minister towards a senior woman Army officer. Such behaviour is not only disgraceful but undermines the dignity of our armed forces and the principles of gender respect within the military. The CWC demands his immediate resignation and calls upon the government to initiate strict action under applicable laws.

In view of these grave concerns, the Congress Working Committee reiterates the demands already put forward by the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi—for an immediate all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the convening of a special session of Parliament. At this time of national crisis, the government must take the Opposition and the people of India into confidence. Transparency, unity, and democratic dialogue are not weaknesses, but are the bedrock of strong and effective governance. The nation deserves answers, not evasion.

Since April 22, we have consistently advocated for unity and solidarity. Yet, on the 25th of this month, the Prime Minister has convened a meeting exclusively with NDA Chief Ministers. This is a blatant attempt to politicise the operation. Why has he not attended a single all-party meeting so far? At a time like this, he should have convened a meeting of all Chief Ministers, cutting across party lines.