Home Minister Amit Shah reached Kashmir to overview counter operation by security forces
SRINAGAR: At least 27 tourists were killed and at least 12 other person were injured in a terror attack in Pahalgam hill station in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday, leading to the security forces launching a massive operation to hunt down the perpetrators.
The reports said that two foreign tourists one from Israel and one from Italy are among the deceased tourists. One local person was also killed while remaining deceased belonged to different state of India.
As per reports, 2 to 3 terrorists wearing army fatigues came and fired at horse-riding tourists in the Baisran area around 2.30 p.m. Baisran is a small meadow 3 to 4 km from the Pahalgam market, and tourists take horses to reach the place as there is no motorable road to it.
Union Hone Minister Amit Shah has flew to Srinagar and held a meeting with LG and Chief Minister to launch counter offensive against terrorists who escaped to jungles after committing the crime.
In a chilling account, a tourist from Karnataka who lost her husband in the terrorist attack told Kannada media that both she and her 18-year-old son confronted the terrorist and pleaded to be killed alongside Manjunath. However, the terrorist reportedly told them he wouldn’t harm them and instead instructed them to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the attack.
The Prime Minister, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, expressed deep anguish over the incident and assured that swift and decisive action would follow.
"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, " he posted on X.
In a stern warning to the perpetrators, he added, “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 only grow stronger.”
J and K LG Manoj Sinha said on X: "Anti-terror ops launched to neutralise terrorists. Entire nation is angry & blood of our forces is boiling. I want to assure the nation that perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families".
Northern Army commander, Lt Gen M.V. Suchendra Kumar, has left Delhi for Srinagar to review the situation with the field commanders.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also rushing to Srinagar to supervise relief to the injured victims of the terror attack.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has reached Pahalgam ahead of the Union Home Minister's visit to the terror attack site.
A helpline has been set up in the control room in Anantnag for tourists and their families to know the welfare of their family members.
Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with the Union Home Minister in the wake of the terror attack and asked him to take all suitable measures.
"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. Briefed PM Shri @narendramodi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies", the Home Minister had said in a post on X.
"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", Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a post on X.
PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned "the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam".
"Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. 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. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, " she posted on X.
This is the biggest terror attack on tourists since separatist violence started here in the 1990s. The terror attack comes when a booming tourist season is presently going on in the Valley.