In a horrifying escalation of violence, terrorists opened fire on civilians in Kashmir’s serene Pahalgam valley on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people in what is now being called the most devastating attack since the 2019 Pulwama tragedy. The assault took place in the Baisaran region, a popular tourist spot often dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland’, turning a site of natural beauty into a scene of unimaginable tragedy.
According to eyewitnesses, armed militants fired indiscriminately at a group of tourists and local guides. Panic spread quickly as the scenic trails of Pahalgam echoed with gunfire and chaos. The Resistance Front (TRF), a known proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the massacre through a viral social media post.
In a swift response, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team was dispatched to the site early Wednesday to begin a full-scale probe. Security forces have since intensified their operations across the valley, with new checkpoints and surveillance being rolled out in high-risk zones, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar soon after the attack, offering condolences and honoring the victims. Addressing the nation, he said, “The blood of innocents will not be spilled in vain. We stand united, and we will not rest until justice is delivered.” Shah’s visit underscored the Centre’s commitment to quelling the growing threat of terrorism in the valley.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India to handle the crisis. In a high-level security briefing held upon his return, the Prime Minister condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it “a direct assault on humanity and national peace.” He vowed to take decisive action against those responsible.
The incident comes at a critical time when Kashmir was witnessing a resurgence in tourism. The attack appears to be a calculated move to destabilize the region’s peace and disrupt the booming tourism economy. Adding to the urgency is the ongoing visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to India, highlighting the timing and international implications of the incident.
World leaders have reacted swiftly. U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed his condolences to PM Modi in a direct call, expressing solidarity and offering all possible support. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the brutal act, joining global leaders in standing with India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, expressed gratitude for the international support and reaffirmed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism. “India will never tolerate such acts of violence. We will pursue every possible avenue to ensure accountability,” said Jaiswal.
As the valley mourns, the country stands together. The attack on Pahalgam is a painful reminder of the volatile security environment in Jammu & Kashmir. But it also reignites the national resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms, with full support from the global community.
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