PM Modi strongly condemns Pahalgam terror attack, speaks to Amit Shah from Saudi; Home Minister reaches Srinagar

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday had a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah from Saudi Arabia after terrorists struck a prime tourist location of Pahalgam in South Kashmir.

At least 26 people, included two foreigners and two locals, were killed and several others were injured when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists.

PM Modi strongly condemned the terror attack and said that those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice.

In a phone call, PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, asked Amit Shah to take all suitable measures. PM also asked the Union Home Minister to visit the site.

“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 in a post on X, after speaking to Shah.

Amit Shah also expressed anguish over the attack. "Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” said Amit Shah.

The Union Home Minister further stated that he briefed PM Modi about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. 

Meanwhile, Shah has reached Srinagar to hold key meeting.

Pahalgam terror attack death toll

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the death toll is still being ascertained. "This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said on X.

“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased,” CM Abdullah said.

“The death toll is still being ascertained so I don't want to get into those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years,” he added.

A doctor at the Pahalgam hospital said 12 injured tourists were admitted at the hospital and the condition of all of them was stable, reported PTI.

Authorities also pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured persons.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday condemned the terror attack in the tourist resort of Pahalgam

“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished,” the LG said in a post on X.

He said he had spoken to the director general of police and other security officials and that Army and police teams had been rushed to the area to launch search operations.

“Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” he added.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said such attacks must be denounced.

“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced,” she said in a post on X.

Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning, and called for a thorough investigation, said The former chief minister.

“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 added.