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Attack on tourists in J&K: Over 20 feared dead in Pahalgam attack

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The Times Of Indiapublisher-detail-arrow
22nd April, 2025 15:36 IST
NEW DELHI: Over 20 people, mainly tourists, were killed on Tuesday in a terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam , located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir , police told news agency AFP.

The gunshots were reportedly heard in the Valley, a popular tourist destination often referred to as "mini-Switzerland," prompting the immediate deployment of security forces to the area.

The site is accessible only on foot or horseback, making the rescue and response efforts more challenging.

The officials said that authorities pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured, adding some of the wounded were brought down from the meadows by local people on their ponies.

Officials have confirmed injuries among tourists, though the extent is yet to be fully determined.

A doctor at the Pahalgam hospital told PTI that 12 injured tourists were admitted there and the condition of all of them was stable.

Hours after the attack, PM Modi, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, spoke Union home minister Amit Shah and asked him to take all suitable measures. The PM also asked the home minister to visit the site.

Condemning the attack on tourists, PM Modi said those behind the "heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! "

"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," PM Modi wrote on X.


Amit Shah said that "those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared".


"Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. 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," Shah wrote.


President Droupadi Murmu said attacking "innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable".

"The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured," the President wrote on X.


Defence minister Rajnath Singh said he was "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," Singh said.

Reacting to the attacks, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said he was "shocked beyond belief" and expressed sympathies to the families of the deceased.

"I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," he wrote on X.


Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack and said search operations were under way.

" 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. Spoke to the DGP & Security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations," he said.

Sinha said he has directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam.


BJP leader Ravinder Raina claimed that Pakistani terrorists were behind the brutal killings of the tourists.

He said that the entire area has been cordoned off and that terrorists and those helping them would be punished.

"Pakistani terrorists have carried out a cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, South Kashmir. Cowardly Pakistani terrorists cannot face the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and our paramilitary forces. These cowardly terrorists have targeted unarmed innocent tourists who had come to visit Kashmir," Raina said.

He further added: "Some tourists have been admitted to the local hospital in an injured condition. The entire area has been cordoned off by the Army and police. The terrorists who are guilty of this attack and those who are helping them will be punished."


Former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack on tourists, saying a "thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses".

"I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed one and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning," she wrote on X.

Mufti futher said: "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."


Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi said the whole country "is united against terrorism" and lashed out at the central government for "making hollow claims of the situation being normal in Jammu and Kashmir".

"The news of the death of tourists and injuries to many in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely condemnable and heartbreaking. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The whole country is united against terrorism," Rahul said.

He further wrote: "Instead of making hollow claims of the situation being normal in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should now take accountability and take concrete steps so that such barbaric incidents do not happen in the future and innocent Indians do not lose their lives like this."


24/7 Emergency Help Desk for Tourists – Police Control Room Anantnag: 9596777669; 01932225870. Whatsapp: 9419051940

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