Congress MP Rahul Gandhi Returns From US to Attend CWC Meeting After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Congress Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in New Delhi early Thursday morning after cutting short his official visit to the United States. His return follows the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed at least 26 lives.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh confirmed that Gandhi would attend the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday.

The Pahalgam attack, which took place on Tuesday at Baisaran meadow, is one of the most severe terrorist incidents in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. The attack has sparked national outrage and triggered high-level security deliberations.

In response, the Union government has taken several steps, including convening a two-hour Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key measures include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, closing the integrated checkpost at Attari, and halting Pakistani nationals' travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to chair an all-party meeting today to discuss the broader impact of the attack. Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cut short their international visits following the incident.

The families of the victims, including Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and Karnataka resident Manjunath Rao, have called on the government to take stronger action against terrorism. The victims were laid to rest in their respective hometowns.

Authorities continue to investigate the potential cross-border linkages of the attack, with initial reports suggesting the involvement of militants associated with Pakistan. The security situation remains a primary concern as measures are strengthened to prevent further violence.