SRINAGAR: In the aftermath of the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) will send a high-level delegation to Jammu and Kashmir next week to express solidarity with the people of the region. The decision was announced by CPM general secretary M A Baby on Sunday after meeting the family of N Ramachandran, a Kerala native who was killed in the attack, reports reaching from Kochi said.
Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Baby said the delegation will visit Srinagar on May 12 and 13. “At the politburo meeting held on Saturday, we decided to send a delegation to Srinagar. Further decisions will be taken after discussions with CPM central committee member and Jammu and Kashmir representative Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami,” he said.
The delegation will comprise MPs Amra Ram, Su. Venkatesan, John Brittas, K Radhakrishnan, and M A Baby.
When asked about intelligence failures in preventing the attack, Baby said, “This is not the right time to assign blame or make accusations. The government has provided some clarification in the joint parliamentary meeting and we expect more clarity in the coming days.”
Baby also spoke of his meeting with Arathy Menon, daughter of Ramachandran and a survivor of the attack. “Despite her immense loss, she said she has gained two brothers in Jammu and Kashmir. It is an example of how one should behave with maturity and awareness. The entire nation stands with her in her grief,” he said.
The CPM leader visited Ramachandran’s home in Edappally around 11 am, accompanied by CPM Ernakulam district secretary S Satheesh and other local leaders. He spent time with the bereaved family, offering condolences and support.
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam also visited the family earlier in the day.
