Pahalgam Terror Incident Claims 16 Lives, Amit Shah Leads Security Review

Srinagar, April 22 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, at least 16 tourists, including two foreigners, lost their lives and 20 others were injured during a terror attack in the scenic hill town of Pahalgam, located in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. This occurred as Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to conduct an urgent review meeting, prompting security forces to initiate a significant operation to locate those responsible for this heinous act.

Authorities have provided a list of the deceased, which includes individuals from Nepal and the UAE, along with two from Maharashtra and Karnataka each, and one each from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir. The domicile of six victims is still pending identification.

Reports indicate that the number of fatalities at the Baisaran meadow, approximately 6 kilometers from Pahalgam town, could rise to at least 26, as the situation remains critical.

The injured individuals have been transported to hospitals, with some requiring referral to Srinagar due to severe conditions.

Upon his arrival in Srinagar around 8:20 p.m., Amit Shah, accompanied by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, was briefed on the terror incident by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other senior officials.

The Home Minister proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to lead a high-level security meeting. He also plans to visit the hospital to meet the injured and assess the attack site on Wednesday.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across India, transcending party lines.

Locals in Pahalgam organized a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of this cowardly attack on tourists.

Initially, officials reported that one tourist was killed and at least 12 others, including locals and tourists, were injured in the assault.

According to eyewitness accounts, a group of 5 to 6 terrorists clad in army uniforms opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran area, which is accessible only by horseback due to the lack of motorable roads.

A heart-wrenching account from a tourist from Karnataka, who lost her husband in the attack, revealed that she and her 18-year-old son confronted the assailant, pleading for their lives alongside her husband. The terrorist allegedly spared them and instructed them to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident.

The Prime Minister, presently in Saudi Arabia for an official visit, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and assured that swift and effective measures would be taken.

“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to those who have lost loved ones. I hope for the swift recovery of the injured. All necessary assistance is being provided to the affected,” he stated on X.

In a stern message to the attackers, he remarked, “Those behind this heinous act will face justice... they will not be spared! Their malicious agenda will never succeed. Our determination to combat terrorism remains resolute and will only strengthen.”

J&K LG Sinha expressed on X: “Anti-terror operations have been initiated to neutralize the terrorists. The entire nation is outraged and the blood of our forces is boiling. I assure the nation that the assailants of the Pahalgam attack will pay a severe price for their despicable act. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.”

The Northern Army commander, Lt Gen M.V. Suchendra Kumar, has traveled from Delhi to Srinagar to oversee the situation with field commanders.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has also arrived in Pahalgam ahead of the Home Minister's visit.

A range of helplines have been established in the Anantnag control room for tourists and their families to obtain updates on their loved ones.

Upon hearing of the attack, Prime Minister Modi communicated with the Union Home Minister, urging for all necessary actions to be taken.

“I am deeply saddened by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. Those involved in this appalling act will not escape justice, and we will respond decisively against the perpetrators. I briefed PM Shri @narendramodi about the incident and convened a meeting with relevant officials via video conferencing. I will shortly travel to Srinagar for an urgent security review meeting with all agencies,” Amit Shah stated on X.

Lt Governor Sinha expressed his shock at the occurrence: “I firmly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the public that those behind this reprehensible assault will not go unpunished. I have spoken with the DGP and security officials. The Army and J&K Police teams have been dispatched to the area to initiate search operations,” he posted on X.

“I am beyond shocked. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The attackers are inhuman and deserving of contempt. No words of condemnation suffice. I extend my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I have spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo, who has gone to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I will be flying back to Srinagar immediately. #Pahalgam,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X.

PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned the “cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam.”

“Such violence is intolerable and must be condemned. Traditionally, Kashmir has warmly welcomed tourists, making this rare incident particularly concerning. A thorough investigation is necessary to hold the perpetrators accountable and scrutinize any potential security failures. Ensuring the safety of visitors is critical, and measures must be implemented to deter future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” she shared on X.

This incident marks the most significant terrorist attack on tourists since the onset of separatist violence in the 1990s. The attack coincides with a booming tourist season in the Valley, with all hotels in Srinagar and popular tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg fully booked.

An unprecedented influx of tourists is anticipated in J&K this year, with projections estimating around 20 million visitors to the union territory. The tragic event occurs during the registration period for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, which is set to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Last month, during a visit to J&K, the Union Home Minister directed a comprehensive security review meeting, emphasizing the complete eradication of terrorism, particularly in the Jammu division, and underscoring a zero-tolerance policy towards infiltration.