Anantanag(J&K): A pall of gloom has descended upon the picturesque valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district following a shocking terrorist attack that claimed the lives of several tourists and left others with bullet injuries earlier today. The incident occurred at Baisaran, a popular meadow accessible only by foot or ponies, where a group of tourists had ventured for a morning excursion.
Official sources confirmed the casualties and injuries, sending shockwaves across the region and the nation. While the exact number of fatalities is yet to be officially confirmed, initial reports suggest a significant loss of life.
The attack prompted immediate high-level response, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly holding a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to assess the situation. Sources indicate that the Prime Minister directed the Home Minister to take “suitable measures” and consider visiting the site of the attack.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the “heinous” act in a post on X, stating, “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.”
Tragically, a family hailing from the Balasore district of Odisha became victims of the attack. Prasant Sathpathy reportedly sustained bullet injuries, while his wife, Priyadarshini, is frantically searching for him in local hospitals, according to sources. Their son was also present at the scene.
The Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also vehemently condemned the attack, stating on social media, “Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir’s #Pahalgam. Terrorism should not have any place in a civilized world and this dastardly act is unacceptable. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their dear ones and prayers for early recovery of those who are injured.”
Security forces have reportedly cordoned off the area and launched a massive search operation to nab the perpetrators. The attack on unarmed tourists in a popular destination is likely to have serious repercussions for the tourism industry in the region, which has been showing signs of recovery in recent times.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and has triggered widespread outrage and calls for swift and decisive action against those responsible. Further updates on the situation, including the identities of the deceased and injured, are awaited as investigations continue.Sources and related content