Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 23: The brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, targeting innocent tourists, has shaken the nation and ignited a firestorm of condemnation across political and entertainment circles. As the country mourns the loss of lives, leading celebrities have joined political leaders in demanding swift justice and stronger action against terrorism.
Veteran actor Sanjay Dutt shared a strongly-worded message on X, stating, “They killed our people in cold blood. This can’t be forgiven… I request our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, Home Minister @AmitShah ji and Defence Minister @rajnathsingh ji to give them what they deserve.”
Actor Vicky Kaushal, expressing his grief on Instagram, wrote, “Can’t imagine the pain of the family members who lost their loved ones… Hope the culprits are brought to justice.”
Anil Kapoor echoed similar emotions, posting, “Heartbroken by the tragic attack in Pahalgam. Praying for strength and peace.”
Director Karan Johar also shared his sadness, calling the act “heartbreaking,” while Telugu star Jr NTR offered his condolences and called for peace and justice.
In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official trip to Saudi Arabia in response to the tragedy. Originally slated to conclude later in the week, PM Modi canceled an official dinner and returned to New Delhi early Wednesday morning.
Immediately upon arrival, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level emergency meeting at Palam Airport with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to assess the situation and outline a strong response.
In a statement posted on X, PM Modi said, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam… Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable, and it will get even stronger.”
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cut short her foreign visit to the U.S. and Peru to return to India and assist in managing the crisis.
Security forces, including the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, have launched an intensive manhunt in the Baisran region of Pahalgam to capture those responsible for the violence.
This tragic incident, one of the deadliest in the region since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, has galvanized the nation in sorrow and resolve, as candlelight vigils and protests continue to take place across the country.