New Delhi: In a devastating terrorist attack near the scenic hill town of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday, at least 28 tourists lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries. The assault, which took place in a meadow near Baisaran, is being described as the deadliest attack on tourists in the region since the 1990s insurgency.
The Resistance Front, a proxy outfit of the ISI-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Global Leaders Condemn the Attack
The brutal incident triggered a wave of international condemnation and expressions of solidarity with India:
- US President Donald Trump called the incident “deeply disturbing” and expressed unwavering support for India. “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” he stated on Truth Social.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, calling it a “brutal crime with no justification.” He also reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to combating terrorism with India.
- Italian PM Giorgia Meloni extended her sympathies to the victims’ families and the people of India, calling the attack “deeply saddening.”
- US Vice President J.D. Vance, who is currently visiting India, also offered condolences, as did Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy, who called the attack “horrific.”
- UK PM Keir Starmer described the attack as “utterly devastating,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned it and expressed solidarity with India.
- Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese also denounced the violence, calling it “unjustifiable.”
- Leaders from Nepal, Israel, New Zealand, Estonia, UAE, Cyprus, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka joined in expressing outrage and solidarity, emphasizing unity in the global fight against terrorism.
High-Level Security Response
In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar, attended by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officials. Security forces have since launched an intensive search operation in the Baisaran area to trace the perpetrators.
Public outrage was visible as candlelight vigils and marches took place across the Kashmir Valley in memory of the victims.
Top Leadership Reacts
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cut short their respective foreign visits—Modi from Saudi Arabia and Sitharaman from an official engagement—to address the fallout of the tragedy and oversee security measures.
The attack has not only shocked the nation but also served as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region, especially against civilians and tourists.