The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed its anguish and strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which led to the deaths of 28 people, mostly tourists.
The apex court observed a two-minute silence to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack even as judges, lawyers, registry staff and others paused their work to honour the victims of the attack.
During a full court meeting on Wednesday morning, the top court unanimously adopted a resolution denouncing the act of terror.
"This diabolical act of mindless violence has shaken the conscience of all and is a stark reminder of the brutality and inhumanity that terrorism unleashes," the Supreme Court statement said.
"The Supreme Court of India pays its respectful tribute to the innocent lives snuffed out brutally and prematurely while also expressing its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the departed souls rest in peace and may those who were injured recover soon. The nation stands with the victims and their families in this hour of indescribable grief," the statement added.
The statement said the attack on tourists, who were merely enjoying the natural beauty of the Crown Jewel of India, Kashmir, is undoubtedly an affront to the values of humanity and the sanctity of life.
The apex court judges, advocates, court staffers and others present in the top court observed a two-minute silence.
At 1:59 pm, sirens began sounding in the Supreme Court when the courts assembled in the post-lunch session and the judges, lawyers and court staff stood in silence at their places.
In a related act of solidarity, lawyers and over 300 members of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) assembled in the apex court’s lawn in solidarity with victims of the terror attack.
SCBA condemned the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attacks perpetrated against innocent tourists in the peaceful region of Pahalgam.
"We mourn the tragic loss of lives and express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, and we wish them speedy recovery. These reprehensible acts of violence are a direct assault on the values of humanity. Targeting unarmed, innocent civilians is an act of unpardonable savagery," a SCBA resolution said.
The Delhi High Court Bar Association, on the other hand, chastised the heinous act challenging the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.
Terrorists struck a tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.