"Deeply saddened and devastated": Sonia Gandhi condoles deaths in Pahalgam terror attack

New Delhi [India], April 22 : Congress senior leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said that she was "deeply saddened and devastated" to learn of the terror attack on innocent tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region.
In a statement, Sonia Gandhi said that resorting to violence is an act of cowardice and needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms.
"I am deeply saddened and devastated to learn of the dastardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region. Resorting to violence is an act of cowardice and needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement.
She also extended her condolences to the families of the victims, adding, "I understand the pain of families who have lost their loved ones and extend my deepest condolences to them. I also pray for the complete and speedy recovery of those injured."
The Rajya Sabha MP emphasised that the entire nation stands united against terrorism. "The entire country stands united against terror. We share a deep resolve to defeat these divisive and violent forces. We need to work to build the broad social consensus against terror that existed in the past. It is imperative that the safety of our citizens is ensured and peace is restored to the region," she said.
Following the terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired a high-level security meeting to discuss the situation.
Meanwhile, residents in Jammu and Kashmir held candlelight marches in places like Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, and Kupwara to protest against the attack, with Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu also holding protests.
The national capital has been placed on high alert, with sources from the Delhi police indicating that increased surveillance is in place at tourist spots and other key locations.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and paid condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice. "I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected," PM Modi said.
"Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger," he added.