SRINAGAR: Condemnations are pouring in from across the world after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, which claimed at least 26 lives and left several others grievously injured, most of them tourists. The unprecedented violence has not only shaken the country but also sparked a global wave of outrage and sympathy. In a significant diplomatic signal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is understood to be cutting short his official visit to Saudi Arabia to address the rapidly unfolding situation. However, there is no official confirmation.
The attack took place in the serene Baisaran valley, often called “mini Switzerland” for its picturesque alpine meadows, where militants opened indiscriminate fire on tourists, reportedly using automatic weapons. The massacre marks the deadliest attack on civilians in Kashmir since the Pulwama bombing in 2019, reviving deep concerns about security in the Union Territory.
A high-level meeting was convened in Srinagar on Thursday, where Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Senior security and administrative officials were present at the Raj Bhavan meeting as the government reviewed the security scenario amid national and international pressure.
The international community was swift in expressing solidarity with India. US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on a private visit to India, took to X to share his condolences. “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India,” he said. “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
The Ukrainian embassy in New Delhi issued a statement condemning the assault, noting its own painful experience with terrorism. “We endure the loss of life from terrorism daily and firmly condemn terrorism in all its forms,” it said. “When innocent people are murdered, it brings unbearable pain. The perpetrators should be held accountable.”
As details of the victims emerge, grief has swept across multiple Indian states. Odisha confirmed the death of Prashant Satpathy, an account assistant from Balasore, who was gunned down while walking with his family in Baisaran. “Violence has no place in our society,” said Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, extending support to Satpathy’s family and promising assistance in their return.
From Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the death of two persons and assured that the state government was in constant touch with J&K authorities. “This attack was an attempt to derail the progress of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, reaffirming faith in the Centre’s ability to respond firmly.
In Pune, two members of a tourist group were injured, prompting NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule to request Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s intervention for urgent medical care. Meanwhile, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal also confirmed that citizens from their states were caught in the crossfire, with their respective chief ministers issuing strong condemnations and dispatching officials to assist affected families.
Domestically, the political fallout has been swift. The Congress party described the attack as a “blot on humanity” and called for an all-party meeting to formulate a unified national strategy. Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of making “hollow claims” about normalcy in Kashmir, while party chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged the government to take corrective steps without delay.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed the attack “a crime against humanity,” and called for urgent measures to ensure such tragedies are never repeated. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party, AIMIM, AAP, and other regional parties echoed similar sentiments, calling for justice and a stronger security apparatus.
Shashi Tharoor, speaking from Lakshadweep, reflected the mood across party lines: “This heinous crime is not just an assault on India, but a betrayal of Kashmir’s hopes for peace and prosperity.”
As the Union Home Minister arrived in Srinagar, multiple agencies swung into action, with heightened security arrangements being made across tourist corridors and intelligence operations intensified to track down the attackers. Authorities confirmed that the assault was carried out by two to three militants believed to have infiltrated the area from nearby forested regions.
