New Delhi [India], April 23 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday called for strict punishment against the perpetrators in the aftermath of the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He informed that he had spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as well as senior Congress leaders of the INC in Jammu and Kashmir to analyse the situation.

In a post on X, he said, ' Late last night, spoke with Union Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah, J&K Chief Minister, Shri @OmarAbdullah, along with senior Congress leaders of @INCJammuKashmir about the despicable carnage in Pahalgam.'

He said that the perpetrators of this heinous terror attack must not go unpunished. Adding, 'this sort of cross-border terror attack should be responded to with an adequate and resolute reply.'

'The perpetrators of this heinous terror attack must not go unpunished. The innocent victims must get justice. Unity in action, in the wake of adversity, is the need of the hour. This cross-border terror attack should be responded to with an adequate and resolute reply.', he posted.

Concluding, he emphasised that the GOI must engage with all political parties to ensure security in Jammu and Kashmir and make every possible effort to ensure the safety of tourists in the state.

Earlier, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also spoke to Shah to take stock of the situation in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The Congress leader also spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and J-K Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Karra regarding the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Taking to social media post on X, Gandhi advocated for justice and support for the victims of the attack.'Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation. The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support,' Gandhi posted on X.

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have extended their support to the call for a Kashmir Bandh (shutdown) on Wednesday to condemn the attack and show solidarity with the victims' families.

The incident, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, sparked widespread outrage across the nation. Several political leaders condemned the attack.

This attack has been widely condemned by the local community. Taxi drivers in Pahalgam held a candlelight protest march against the attack in Pahalgam. Residents of Jammu and Kashmir turned up for a candlelight march at several places in the state against the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday.

Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Akhnoor and Kupwara held a candlelight march while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies following the Pahalgam terror attack. Minister Shah arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday evening for a security review meeting. He said earlier that those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack. The Delhi Police has also been instructed to keep a close watch on tourist places and other important places. (ANI)