Over 25 killed, several hurt in terrorist attack in J&K’s Pahalgam
Srinagar: More than 25 tourists were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. According to the police, militants fired at tourists from close range, leaving three dozen injured.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “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. #Pahalgam”
In another post, he wrote on X, “The death toll is still being ascertained so I don’t want to get in to those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
Security forces have launched a search operation to nab the attackers. After getting information, Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar and convened a high-level meeting with security officials.
“Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. 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,” he wrote on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, is cutting short his two-day trip and returning to New Delhi early Wednesday morning.
The U.S President, Donald Trump, offered his sympathy and said The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. He said, “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!”
Later, he had a telephonic conversation with the Prime Minister of India.
The U.S. Vice President, JD Vance, who is on a state-visit to India, called it a “devastating terrorist attack.”
He said on social media, “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
Other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, condemned the attack.
