Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to return to India earlier than scheduled from his ongoing trip to Saudi Arabia following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which has so far claimed at least 26 lives and injured 10 others, several of them critically. Originally set to arrive late Wednesday, PM Modi is now expected back in India early Wednesday morning, as confirmed by sources.
The attack, which took place in Baisaran, a remote tourist meadow in Pahalgam, involved two to three militants opening fire on a group of tourists. This marks the first major attack on tourists in Kashmir this year, reminiscent of a similar incident last May when two tourists were injured in Pahalgam.
Shortly after the incident, PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to take all “suitable measures.” Shah landed in Srinagar on Tuesday night and convened a high-level security review meeting with J&K LG Manoj Sinha and top officials. Shah is expected to visit the site of the attack on Wednesday.
Reacting to the incident, PM Modi posted on X, condemning the attack as a “heinous act,” promising justice and stating that the terrorists’ “evil agenda will never succeed.” Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, assuring that those behind the attack “won’t be spared.”
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who briefed Shah in Srinagar, called it a “much larger attack than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” While confirming a significant loss of life, Abdullah said the exact death toll was still being ascertained.
US President Donald Trump, currently active on Truth Social, also issued a statement condemning the incident. “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed sorrow after learning that some victims were from Tamil Nadu. Calling it a “barbaric act that shocks the conscience,” Stalin directed the state’s Resident Commissioner in Delhi to coordinate with J&K officials and ensure support for affected families.
Security has been heightened in the region as investigations continue. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
