Srinagar, April 25, 2025 – Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited the Army’s Base Hospital in Badamibagh Cantonment, Srinagar, on Friday to enquire about the health of those injured in the Pahalgam terror attack. The visit, part of Gandhi’s trip to Kashmir following the tragic incident, underscores his commitment to supporting the victims and their families in the wake of the devastating attack.
On April 22, 2025, terrorists struck Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others. The attack, one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, prompted widespread condemnation and calls for justice. Gandhi, who cut short a visit to the United States to address the crisis, arrived in Srinagar to meet the injured and engage with local leaders.
At the B B Cantt Military Hospital, Gandhi interacted with medical staff and checked on the condition of the injured, expressing solidarity and wishing them a speedy recovery. A Congress leader stated that Gandhi’s visit aimed to convey a message of “healing the wounds” of those affected, including Kashmiris and visitors impacted by the attack. He also sought permission to meet an injured soldier admitted at the hospital, with arrangements pending approval.
Gandhi’s itinerary included meetings with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the security situation and measures to prevent future attacks. He was also expected to meet delegations from the Congress party, trade, and tourism sectors to address the attack’s impact on the region’s economy and morale.
The Congress leader has consistently condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and calculated act of terror” and advocating for justice for the victims’ families. His visit follows an all-party meeting in New Delhi, where he assured the government of the opposition’s full support for decisive action against terrorism. The attack, attributed to groups like The Resistance Front linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has heightened tensions, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and scaling back diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
Despite the tragedy, Kashmir continues to show resilience, with locals extending hospitality to tourists. Gandhi’s visit reinforces the call for unity and recovery, aligning with efforts to restore peace and stability in the valley, contributing to the vision of a developed India.