Pahalgam:
Twenty-six tourists were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir today. Military choppers have been pressed into service for the evacuation of those injured in the attack, as the area is only accessible on foot or horseback. Union Minister Amit Shah has reached Srinagar, where he will hold an urgent security review meeting with all agencies. Earlier, he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who asked him to visit the attack site.
Gunshots were heard in the upper meadows of Pahalgam‘s Baisaran Valley, a meadow atop a hill. Witnesses said terrorists walked out of the woods and started firing indiscriminately.
Soon after the attack, Amit Shah called a meeting at his home in Delhi, which was attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, the sources said. CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhatand some Army officials also joined the meeting through video conferencing. Mr Shah also spoke to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, they added.
An anti-terror operation has been launched to neutralise terrorists, informed Mr Sinha, asserting the “perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act”.
Pahalgam, known for its forests, crystal-clear lakes and sprawling meadows, is a popular tourist spot and draws thousands of visitors every summer.
Among those killed was a realtor from Shivamogga district in Karnataka who was allegedly shot dead in front of his wife and son. As news broke about the man’s death, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting with senior officials to gather information.
PM Modi, strongly condemning the attack, said the government’s “resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger”. The Prime Minister is currently on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia.
“Perpetrators Are Animals”
Terming the attack an “abomination”, Omar Abdullah said he was “shocked beyond belief”. “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,” he posted on X.
“Needless to say, this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” he added.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed to bring those behind the “despicable attack” to justice. He said he has spoken to the director general of police and other security officials. “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,” he said.
The attack comes during the peak tourist season in the Valley and also when registration for this year’s Amarnath Yatra is going on across the country. The 38-day pilgrimage is set to begin from July 3, from two routes – the 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the other 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, which is shorter but steeper.
During his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting, where he gave orders for the complete eradication of terrorism with special focus on the Jammu division. He also gave directions to ensure zero tolerance to infiltration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the dastardly attack an “act of cowardice and highly reprehensible”.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack on tourists and said, “Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced”.
“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,” she added.
“These cowardly terrorists have targeted unarmed innocent tourists who had come to visit Kashmir,” BJP’s Ravinder Raina said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the “dastardly attack”, calling it “a blot on humanity”.
