Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia following Tuesday’s terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left at least 28 dead. He skipped the official dinner to return early Wednesday in response to the Pahalgam incident.
Earlier he spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, who has reached Srinagar to assess the situation.
Modi Promises Justice
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam… Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice,” PM Modi said in a statement.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh through a post on ‘X” said, “Deeply anguished by the news of terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.”
In one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists at the popular Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 28 people and injuring many others, including foreign nationals.
Among those killed was an Indian Navy officer from Haryana, who had recently married and was on leave from his posting in Kochi, defence officials confirmed.
TRF Claims Responsibility
The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group affiliated with the LeT, has claimed responsibility for the massacre, according to intelligence sources. Eyewitness accounts have emerged suggesting the terrorists’ asked tourists for their religion and killed those who identified themselves as Hindus instantly.
Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General MV Suchendra Kumar rushed to Srinagar from Udhampur following the incident. Sources added that he is being briefed by local commanders on the security situation.
Chilling Details Emerge
The attack took place in Baisaran, a scenic spot accessible only by foot or horseback. A group of tourists from states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat had trekked to the meadow earlier in the day.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that terrorists disguised in military fatigues stormed the site around noon and began firing indiscriminately at the tourists. Survivors say the gunmen asked victims about their religion before opening fire.
The brutality of the attack shocked the region and the nation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” as condemnation poured in from across the political spectrum.
International Reactions
The United States expressed solidarity with India.
“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support. Our hearts are with you,” President Donald Trump said on Truth Social.
US Vice President JD Vance, currently in India on a four-day visit, added, “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims… We have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our prayers are with them as they mourn.”
Intel Points To Foreign Hand
According to intelligence agencies, 4–6 terrorists were involved in the ambush, some of whom are believed to be foreign nationals, reportedly from Pakistan. The attackers are said to have entered the valley days earlier and conducted reconnaissance of hotels and tourist spots in Pahalgam between April 1 and 7.
Security agencies are now combing the area for the assailants, with heightened alerts issued across the region.
(With inputs from Reuters)
