CM sends teams to Pahalgam after Terror Attack; nationwide condemnation pours in

BENGALURU: Political leaders from across the country on Tuesday strongly condemned the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and called for urgent action to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he had held an emergency meeting with senior state officials and dispatched multiple teams to Jammu and Kashmir to coordinate response efforts. The CM’s response came after it was reported that Tourists from Karnataka had been injured in the attack.

In a post on X, Siddaramaiah wrote, “I strongly condemn the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. Kannadigas are among the victims of this shocking incident. Upon receiving the news, I convened an emergency meeting and reviewed the situation with the Chief Secretary and senior police officials.”

“I have also spoken to the Resident Commissioner in Delhi. Following my directions, two teams—one of senior officers and another of police personnel —have been dispatched to J&K. An adventure team from the Sports Department, led by Commissioner Chethan, is also en route. We are closely monitoring the developments. All necessary support will be extended. Please be assured, the Government of Karnataka stands firmly with those affected,” he added.

People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone termed the attack an assault on the livelihood and ethos of Kashmir. “There can be no bigger enemy of the Kashmiris than the terrorists… Their war is against the hospitality of the Kashmiris… They want tourists to leave Kashmir and that Kashmiris have no source of livelihood,” he said.

“They are enemies of our kids and the coming generations. They are terrorists. Targeting unarmed tourists is the biggest sin. They will neither be forgiven here, nor in the eyes of god,” Lone added.

AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha also condemned the incident. “The brutal attack on tourists in Pahalgam is an unforgivable act of cowardice. No cause, no grievance can justify such inhumanity. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength to the families affected. Those behind this barbarity are enemies of peace and must be crushed with the full weight of justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday condemned the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and said the perpetrators would face the harshest consequences. He added that he would be visiting Srinagar to hold a security review meeting.

In a post on X, Shah said, “Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.”

He added, “Briefed PM Narendra Modi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies.”

The attack, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, took place earlier on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Security forces and police personnel rushed to the site immediately after the attack. Ambulances were also rushed to the location. (ANI)