Terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir leaves 26 tourists dead
Union Minister Amit Shah has departed for Srinagar to conduct an urgent security review with all relevant agencies, following a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who instructed him to visit the site.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the Pahalgam attack, reaffirmed the government’s resolve against terrorism, and offered condolences to the victims while ensuring all possible assistance for the injured.
A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, today left 26 tourists dead and several others injured. Due to the area’s limited access, military helicopters have been deployed to evacuate the injured, reported Indian news channel NDTV.
Union Minister Amit Shah has departed for Srinagar to conduct an urgent security review with all relevant agencies, following a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who instructed him to visit the site.
Gunfire was heard in the upper meadows of Baisaran Valley, a hilltop area in Pahalgam. Witnesses reported that terrorists emerged from the woods and opened fire indiscriminately.
Following the attack, Amit Shah convened a meeting in Delhi with Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, CRPF Chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K Police Chief Nalin Prabhat, and Army officials via video conference. He also spoke with Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
An anti-terror operation has been launched to neutralize the terrorists, with Sinha vowing that the perpetrators will pay a heavy price for their actions.
Among the victims was a realtor from Shivamogga, Karnataka, who was shot in front of his wife and son. In response, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called an emergency meeting to assess the situation.
Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack, reaffirming the government’s unshakable resolve to combat terrorism. “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured, and all possible assistance is being provided,” he said.
“Perpetrators are animals”
Omar Abdullah condemned the attack as an “abomination,” expressing shock and disbelief. “The perpetrators are animals, inhuman, and deserving of contempt. No words can adequately condemn this act,” he posted on X, extending his sympathies to the victims’ families. He added that the scale of this attack was unprecedented in recent years, targeting civilians in such a horrific manner.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed to bring the attackers to justice, speaking with security officials and directing medical teams to assist the injured. “An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag, and I pray for their recovery,” he said.
The attack occurred during peak tourist season and amid registration for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, set to begin on July 3.
During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Shah chaired a high-level security meeting, ordering the complete eradication of terrorism, with a focus on Jammu division, and zero tolerance for infiltration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the attack as a “cowardly and highly reprehensible act.” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called it “a blot on humanity.”
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The nation stands united against cross-border terrorism,” said Mr. Shah.
