A wave of condemnation poured in from across the political spectrum on Tuesday after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region left several tourists dead and injured.
PM Modi led the national reaction, calling the attack “heinous” and vowing a strong response.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” said the prime minister. “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.
At least five tourists were feared dead in the shooting, which took place in Baisaran meadows, a remote area above the tourist town of Pahalgam accessible only by foot or pony.
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Read More: Omar Abdullah expresses anger over “inhuman” attack that killed tourists in Pahalgam, says perpetrators are “animals” According to eyewitnesses, unidentified gunmen opened fire at close range, hitting multiple tourists. A survivor told PTI that her husband was shot in the head, and at least seven others were injured. Security forces rushed to the area after gunshots were reported.Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who spoke to the PM soon after the incident, expressed deep anguish and pledged action.
“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 said.
Shah also confirmed that he had briefed PM Modi and convened a video meeting with officials. He is heading to Srinagar to oversee an urgent security review.Read More: PM Modi calls Amit Shah after Pahalgam terror attack, urges swift action and site visitMeanwhile, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar termed the attack “cowardly,” while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it “highly reprehensible.”— DrSJaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) Political leaders unite against Pahalgam attackCondemnation came from across the aisle. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “The cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu-Kashmir, resulting in the killing of tourists and injuries to many others, is extremely condemnable and heart-wrenching. I express my deepest condolences to the grieving families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
“The entire country stands united against terrorism. Instead of hollow claims about normalizing the situation in Jammu-Kashmir, the government must now take accountability and implement concrete measures—so that such barbaric incidents do not recur and innocent Indians do not lose their lives in this manner,” he added.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was one of the first to express his outrage and take stock of the situation.
“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.” He added that the scale of the attack appeared to be “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.
Read more: Pahalgam terror attack: At least 5 tourists feared dead, several injured as terrorists open fire in popular Jammu and Kashmir spotPresident of JKPDP, Mehbooba Mufti spoke out against the attack, as well.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now . Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced,” she said.
Moreover, she called for a thorough probe into the incident. “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.”
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned the violence, saying, “The Pahalgam terrorist attack is highly condemnable and its perpetrators deserve strictest punishment in law. We stand with the victims of the attack & their families. My condolences to the loved ones of the deceased & I pray for the swift and full recovery of those injured.”
— asadowaisi (@asadowaisi) The situation in Pahalgam remains tense, with further details expected as the investigation progresses and security operations continue.