India Holds All-Party Meeting on Pahalgam Terror Attack; Jaishankar to Brief Opposition
In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss the security situation and the nation’s response. The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aimed to bring all political stakeholders on board following the deadly assault that claimed the lives of several security personnel and civilians.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is expected to brief opposition leaders during the session about the international ramifications of the attack and the steps being taken on the diplomatic front. According to sources, Jaishankar will also outline India’s communication with foreign governments, including strategic partners, in the aftermath of the incident.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred earlier this week, targeted a convoy of security forces traveling through the region. The attack was reportedly carried out by heavily armed militants, suspected to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The ambush led to heightened tensions across Kashmir, prompting a swift counter-offensive by Indian security forces and a surge in surveillance operations across the valley.
In his opening remarks, Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack and assured the nation of a firm and united response. “Terrorism will not be tolerated on Indian soil. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens and will take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Shah stated. He urged all political parties to stand together and support the armed forces and intelligence agencies in this critical time.
Leaders from major political parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, and others, were in attendance. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the need for a bipartisan approach to national security and urged the government to increase intelligence sharing and protection for civilians in vulnerable areas.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kharge said, “We stand with the government in condemning this cowardly attack. But we also urge a thorough investigation and accountability, particularly in lapses that may have contributed to this tragedy.”
Jaishankar’s presentation is expected to cover India’s diplomatic outreach to key international players including the United States, the United Nations, and members of the European Union. Officials say the government will seek to increase pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terrorist networks operating from its territory, a longstanding point of contention in Indo-Pak relations.
The meeting also reviewed the current state of internal security in Jammu and Kashmir. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and intelligence agencies presented a detailed report on the sequence of events leading to the attack and the steps being taken to prevent further incidents.
In a rare show of unity, political leaders pledged support for the armed forces and stressed the importance of standing united against terror. A joint statement is expected to be released later in the day, reflecting the consensus reached during the meeting.
The all-party meeting comes at a critical juncture, as the government seeks to maintain calm in the region while sending a strong message both domestically and internationally. With the security situation still fluid, the coming days will be crucial in determining India’s next course of action.
