Terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists at the Baisaran mountain top in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Twenty-six people are feared to have been killed in one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
AMN / WEB DESK
Unidentified terrorists attacked a group of tourists in Pahalgam area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district today killing multiple people and injuring at least 20.
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.
The incident occurred at around 3 PM when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place which is often dubbed as ‘mini Switzerland’ because of its long lush green meadows.
The attack took place in the Baisaran forest area of Pahalgam, around 85 kilometres from Srinagar headquarters. The attack left some of the tourists injured along with some casualties. However, exact number of injured and dead tourists is yet to be confirmed. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, the death toll is still being ascertained and will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. The injured have been admitted to the district medical facility. Security forces have launched cordon and search operation to track down the assailants.
President Droupadi Murmu has condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir. Terming it as shocking and painful, the President said it is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. The President said attacking innocent citizens is utterly appalling and unpardonable. She expressed condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the terror attack and said those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice and will not be spared. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said, their evil agenda will never succeed. He also expressed his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and prayed for the injured to recover at the earliest. Mr Modi added that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
Pahalgam terror attack: J&K govt sets up round the clock Emergency Help Desk for tourists
J&K government has set up round the clock Emergency Help Desk for tourists. The tourists requiring assistance or information can contact on helpline – 01932222337, 7780885759 9697982527 and 6006365245.
Meanwhile, the anti-terror operation has been launched to neutralise terrorists in the region in view of Phalagam terror attack. In a social media post, J&K LG Manoj Sinha said that Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed Prime Minister about the Pahalgam terror attack incident and left for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies. Mr. Shah also held a meeting with the concerned officials through video conferencing over the incident. Expressing his anguish on the terror attack on tourists, the Home Minister asserted that those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor assured the people that those behind the despicable attack will not go unpunished. Mr Sinha said, he spoke to the Director General Police and Security officials. He said, army and Jammu and Kashmir Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations. He has directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, Chief minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack, stating that he is shocked beyond belief. He said, the perpetrators of this attack are inhuman and worthy of contempt. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He added that he has spoken to his colleague and Minister Sakina Itoo and she visited the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured.