At least 26 are feared killed in a terror attack that targeted tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon.
According to reports, two foreign nationals are among those killed.
One of the worst terror attacks in the Valley took place in the afternoon. The terrorists, dressed in fatigues, opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow.
Reports quote eyewitnesses saying that the tourists were shot from close range, resulting in injuries to several people.
The Baisaran meadow is located around 5 kilometres from Pahalgam hill station and is accessible only by foot or ponies. Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed ‘mini Switzerland’, and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking and taking in the sights, agencies have reported quoting officials.
The area has been cordoned off and an anti-terrorist operation has been launched.
The Resistance Front, a local offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror group Laskhar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Pahalgam terror attack and asked him to take all suitable measures. He also asked Shah to visit the site.
The PM said in X post that those behind the terror attack won’t be spared. He condemned the attack and extended condolences to those who lost their loved ones.
Modi went on to say that 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 unshakable and it will get even stronger,” he added.
Following the terror attack, Shah called a high-level meeting. The meeting was attended by the Home Secretary, senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Jammu and Kashmir officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), attended the meeting virtually. Shah reached Pahalgam on Tuesday evening.
Shah also took to X and said that he was anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. He added, “My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences. Briefed PM Modi about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies.”
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and wrote X, “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately.” He has returned to Srinagar from Ramban.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, took to X and wrote, “Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”
Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil criticised the attack and offered sympathy and condolences to the families of the bereaved. He said on X post that there are several tourists from Gujarat in Jammu & Kashmir. He added that they should call him should they need any help.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed one and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced,” she wrote on X.
She added, “Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
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