In one of the worst attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, took responsibility for the attack.
The victims included women and elderly individuals. Eyewitnesses told security forces that two to three men dressed in military fatigues rushed in and started firing indiscriminately at tourists while they were enjoying the Baisaran Meadows of Pahalgam on horseback. Intelligence sources said that the terrorists inquired about the religion before shooting them dead.
Security forces were rushed to the area, and a massive anti-terrorist operation was launched to hunt down the assailants. Videos of the aftermath of the attack showed people lying motionless and bloodied on the ground while women were frantically looking for their loved ones.
Surat man among victims
Shailesh Kalathiya from Surat lost his life in the terrorist attack. Meanwhile, an elderly man named Vinubhai Dabhi from Bhavnagar was shot in the hand and has been taken for treatment. A group of 20 people from Bhavnagar had gone to attend Morari Bapu’s Katha, out of which 3 people are missing. Around 16 members of the group are safe. Following the incident, Morari Bapu has cut short his Ramkatha. In addition, another family - Kajalben (mother), Yatishbhai (father) and Smrit Parmar (son)- are still missing. Among the injured are Vinod Bhatt, Manik Patel, and Rino Pandey from Bhavnagar. An Israeli-Italian tourist is also among the 12 injured.
Alert in Delhi, Mumbai
Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, an alert has been issued in both Delhi and Mumbai. Delhi Police have been instructed to remain vigilant at tourist spots and other important locations. Similarly, Mumbai Police have directed all Senior PIs (Police Inspectors) and Zonal DCPs (Deputy Commissioners of Police) to stay on high alert in their respective areas.
Lashkar-e-Taiba claims responsibility
Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for the entire attack. The investigation into the attack has been handed over to the NIA (National Investigation Agency).
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, describing it as an “abomination”. He said the details of the death toll are still being ascertained, and called the attack “much larger than anything we’ve seen in recent years.” People from all political parties were united in condemning the attack.
Modi cuts short visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit on Tuesday, has cut short his trip following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister is expected to arrive early on Wednesday. Earlier, Modi held a telephone call with Home Minister Amit Shah to take stock of the situation. Modi directed Shah to take necessary steps in response to the incident. Shah has left for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies.
PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has appealed all Kashmiris to unite in solidarity to support the Jammu Bandh announced tomorrow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragic terrorist attack in Kashmir. US Vice President JD Vance who is in India on a four day visit, took to X and condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. He wrote, "Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India.”
US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Modi to condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and offered America's full support in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
