At least 26 tourists were killed and 10 others were injured in a militant attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday. At least two of the injured are in critical condition.
Militants opened fired at tourists in Baisaran, an off-the-road meadow in Pahalgam, reports say.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, All Parties Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone have condemned the attack on the tourists.
“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 Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately,” Omar Abullah said.
“I strongly condemn 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,” Mufti said in a post on X. “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 said.
“Deeply disturbing news from Pahalgam of a cowardly attack on tourists that has resulted in tragic loss of life . Such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth. Condemn it strongly. Thoughts and prayers with the families of victims and wishing speedy recovery to the injured,” said Mirwaiz.
Terming the attackers “enemies of our future”, Sajad Lone said the attack was a “dastardly and cowardly act aimed at destablising Kashmir’s tourism industry and economy.”
“For decades, we have been identified as great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all,” Lone said in an official release. “After years of struggle, our tourism industry was finally stirring back to life. People had begun to dream again — to rebuild. And here come these ugly villains to crush hope.”
Attackers “wont be spared”: PM Modi
“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. 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,” said PM Modi.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a little-known armed group that emerged in the region in 2019, claimed responsibility for the attack.
