Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on May 24, 2025, to meet victims of the recent cross-border shelling by Pakistani troops. This visit marked his second trip to the Union Territory since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Previously, on April 25, Gandhi had visited Srinagar to meet those injured in the terror attack and held discussions with the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and other stakeholders.

On May 24, Gandhi arrived at Jammu airport and proceeded to Poonch by helicopter to assess the damage caused by the cross-border shelling and meet bereaved families. The Poonch sector experienced intense artillery and mortar shelling following India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7. This operation targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the brutal Pahalgam massacre. Pakistan’s subsequent artillery shelling, missile launches, and drone strikes killed 28 people, including 13 in Poonch district, and injured over 70 others across Jammu and Kashmir between May 7 and 10.

The violence led to large-scale displacement, with thousands fleeing from areas near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border to seek shelter in government relief camps. After four days of intense conflict involving drone and missile strikes, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation.

During his visit, Gandhi planned to inspect several damaged structures, including a gurdwara, a temple, a madrassa, and a Christian missionary school, and meet with bereaved families as well as members of civil society. Tariq Hameed Karra, president of the Congress’ Jammu and Kashmir unit, described Gandhi as the first national leader to reach out to the affected population, expressing solidarity and sharing in their pain.

In his previous visit to Jammu and Kashmir following the terror attack, Gandhi emphasized that the terrorists’ objective was to divide the people of India. He stressed the importance of national unity in defeating terrorism once and for all. Gandhi’s visits reflect his commitment to engaging with affected communities and highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents of Jammu and Kashmir amidst cross-border tensions.

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people, was a significant trigger for the heightened military activity between India and Pakistan in early May. The retaliatory strikes by India under Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure, which then led to further artillery exchanges and drone attacks by Pakistan. The resulting humanitarian crisis, displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure intensified the suffering of local communities, making Gandhi’s visits an important gesture of support and concern.

Overall, Rahul Gandhi’s visits underline the critical situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the necessity for political leaders to address the aftermath of terrorism and cross-border violence while fostering unity and resilience among the people.