Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: CM Omar Abdullah Calls Incident An 'Abomination', L-G Vows Stern Action

Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Kumar Sinha has also condemned the attack, assuring people that the attackers will not go unpunished. 

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the terror attack where at least 26 tourists died and several were injured in Pahalgam in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The incident took place in the scenic meadow of Baisaran, around six kilometres from Pahalgam, when terrorists opened fire on a crowd of tourists.

Calling the perpetrators of this attack animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt, CM said in a post on X, "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 @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately." 

Ascertained on the death toll, he said, "I don’t want to get into those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say, this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years."

Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Kumar Sinha has also condemned the attack, assuring people that the attackers will not go unpunished. 

"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, " Sinha said on X.

He instructed the district administration and health authorities to ensure prompt medical care for those hospitalised in Pahalgam, adding that one injured tourist has been shifted to GMC Anantnag. He also wished a swift recovery to all those injured.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Pahalgam terrorist attack, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He took a dig at the situation and lashed out at the government for making hollow claims that the situation was normal in the state.

"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. 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, " he said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also strongly criticised the attack, demanding a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses.

Following the attack, Mufti responded in a post on X, saying, "I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. 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."

Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra also condemned the firing incident in Pahalgam over the tourist. He also launched an attack on the BJP government, emphasising to talk about the reality of the situation in the valley.

"It is condemnable, especially the attack on tourists is very condemnable. On one hand, the BJP says that the atmosphere is absolutely fine, terrorists have been eliminated, everything is fine. I think instead of making it an issue of ego, the BJP should point out the shortcomings... If the BJP claims that everything is fine, then they should talk about the reality. If the situation is fine, then why is all this happening? BJP and the Government of India should tell the people of the country why this is happening... We condemn this incident, "Tariq Hameed Karra told ANI.

Cowardly Pakistani Terrorists Cannot Face Our Brave Soldiers: Ravinder Raina 

BJP leader Ravinder Raina also reacted to the incident criticising the attack, stating that cowardly Pakistani terrorists cannot face the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. He warned that the terrorists, guilty of this attack, and those who are helping them will 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. 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," Raina said.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "I am deeply anguished by the brutal terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. This act of violence is utterly reprehensible and must not go unpunished."

On the terrorist attack, Guy Nir, Spokesperson of the Israeli Embassy in India, stated that Israel stands united with India in the fight against terrorism. "Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terrorism, "Nir said in a post on X.

The attack comes just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. A massive search has been launched in the area to hunt down the terrorists. Security has been on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pakistan Army chief's remarks, in which he said that India and Pakistan were "completely different". 

Sources indicated that around 5-6 people, including locals, have been injured. The alert was sent to security forces by a woman who called the PCR. The police have confirmed that five people have been injured during the incident.