Pahalgam:
Several tourists were killed and many others were wounded today in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Military helicopters have been hired for the evacuation of those who were injured in the attack. In a telephone conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the Minister of Union Amit Shah to visit the attack site and to take all suitable measures. Mr Shah will soon leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all agencies.
Gunshots were heard in the upper meadows of the Baisaran -Valley of Pahalgam, an area that is only approachable on foot or on horseback. The terrorists were apparently in camouflage and is considered a targeted attack.
Amit Shah called a meeting in his house in Delhi, which was attended by the Intelligence Agency Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, according to the sources. CRPF Chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K Director General of Police Nalin Pabhatand Some army officials also participated in the meeting via video conferences. Shah also spoke with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant -Governor Manoj Sinha, they added.
An anti-terror surgery has been launched to neutralize terrorists, informed Mr Sinha, whereby the “perpetrators of Pahalgam attack are claimed to pay a very heavy price for their horrible act”.
Pahalgam, known for its forests, crystal clear lakes and vast meadows, is a popular tourist place and attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
PM Modi, which strongly condemns the attack, said that “the government's determination to combat terrorism is unwavering and it will become even stronger”.
I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Compassion for those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the wounded recovers at the earliest. All possible help is provided to the affected.
Those behind this horrible act will be brought …
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
“Perpetrators are animals”
Omar Abdullah said the attack a “horror” and said he was “shocked without faith.” “The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhumane and contempt worth. No words of conviction are sufficient. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased,” he posted on X.
I am shocked without faith. This attack on our visitors is a horror. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhumane and contempt. No words of conviction are sufficient. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I spoke with my colleague @Sakinaitoo…
– Omar Abdullah (@omarabdullah) April 22, 2025
“Unnecessary to say that this attack is much greater than everything we have seen with burgers in recent years,” he added.
The death toll is still being determined, so I don't want to enter those details. They will be officially transferred as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say, this attack is much greater than everything we have seen with citizens in recent years.
– Omar Abdullah (@omarabdullah) April 22, 2025
Lieutenant -Gouverneur Manoj Sinha promised to bring those behind the “Destroyal attack” to the court. He said he spoke with the director -general of the police and other security officers. “The district administration and the health officials instruct immediate medical attention to those who are admitted in Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the rapid recovery of all injured,” he said.
The attack comes in the valley during the peak tourist season and also when registration for Amarnath Yatra this year goes through the country. The 38-day pilgrimage starts from 3 July, from two routes-de 48 km Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the other 14 km Balal route in the Ganderbal district, which is shorter but steeper.
During his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Shah was chairman of a meeting of the security review at a high level, where he ordered the complete extermination of terrorism with a special focus on the Jammu division. He also gave instructions to guarantee Zero -toolerance for infiltration.
Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh called the cowardly attack an “act of cowardice and very reprehensible”.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack on tourists and said, “Such violence is unacceptable and must be deported”.
“Historically, Kashmir has warmly welcomed tourists, which means that this rare incident is deep. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to the court and to investigate potential security falls. Ensuring the safety of the visitors is of the utmost importance and steps have to be taken to prevent future attacks,” she added.
“These cowardly terrorists focused on unarmed innocent tourists who had come Kashmir,” said BJP's Ravinder Raina.
