Daijiworld Media Network- Pahalgam
Pahalgam, Apr 23: In what is being termed the deadliest terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, at least 26 people, including two government officials from the Navy and Intelligence Bureau, were killed after heavily armed terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam on Tuesday.
The attack, which occurred in the picturesque meadows accessible only on foot or horseback, left several others injured. Military helicopters were deployed swiftly for the evacuation of the wounded. The harrowing visuals from the site showed bodies strewn across the ground while panicked tourists, including women, pleaded for help.
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his two-day diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India late Tuesday night. Skipping the official dinner in Riyadh, PM Modi immediately held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, directing him to visit the attack site and personally oversee the situation.
“Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and only growing stronger. The terrorists' evil agenda will never succeed,” PM Modi said in a strongly worded statement.
US Vice President JD Vance, who was in India at the time, also condemned the attack, calling it “devastating”. US President Donald Trump, in a message of solidarity, said that “America stands strong with India” and that he would speak with PM Modi “as soon as he possibly can”.
Back in Delhi, Home Minister Amit Shah convened an emergency high-level meeting with IB Chief Tapan Deka, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, CRPF Chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, and top army and police officials via video conferencing. Mr Shah also held phone calls with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
“The perpetrators of this heinous attack will pay a very heavy price,” warned LG Manoj Sinha, announcing the launch of a full-scale anti-terror operation in the region.
This tragic incident coincides with the ongoing tourist peak season and the preparation for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin from July 3 via the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. Authorities have now heightened security measures across the Valley to ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists alike.
Pahalgam, known for its lush forests, serene lakes, and alpine meadows, remains one of the top tourist attractions in the region — making this attack not just a blow to security, but also to the Valley’s fragile tourism-based economy.