Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He directed Shah to take all necessary measures in response to the incident and to visit the site personally to assess the situation.
Earlier in the day, terrorists opened fire in the Pahalgam area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, reportedly injuring several civilians. The exact number of casualties or injuries has not yet been officially confirmed by the state government. Injured tourists were moved to a local hospital in Pahalgam for treatment.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the incident.
“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,” he said.
He added: “The death toll is still being ascertained, so I don’t want to get into 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.”
The CM also said, “I’ve spoken to my colleague, Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately.”
Political leaders across party lines strongly condemned the attack, calling it a strike on peace and the region’s tourism-dependent economy.
Congress leader Vikar Rasool Wani said, “We strongly condemn this…Why are they attacking the tourists? The economy is totally dependent on tourists. This is a part of a big conspiracy to attack tourists, and the government should investigate the incident…”
National Conference leader Imran Nabi Dar called it a blow to the Valley’s hospitality:
“This is a dark day for Kashmir and Kashmiri tourism. The tourism season was just about to begin, and this unfortunate incident occurred. We unequivocally condemn this incident…Kashmir is known for hospitality…We appeal to the LG administration to find out who is behind these incidents…”
BJP leader Ravinder Raina, speaking in Nowshera, attributed the attack to cross-border militants.
“Pakistani terrorists have carried out a cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, South Kashmir. Cowardly Pakistani terrorists cannot face the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and our paramilitary forces,” he said.
“These cowardly terrorists have targeted unarmed, innocent tourists who had come to visit Kashmir. Some tourists have been admitted to the local hospital in an injured condition,” he added.
Security forces and police personnel immediately rushed to the site after the attack. Ambulances were also deployed swiftly to provide emergency assistance. The situation remains tense as investigations and search operations continue.