‘Those involved will not be spared’: Home Minister Amit Shah to visit Pahalgam after attack, vows harshest action

NEW DELHI: 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.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reacted to the incident, stating, “Deeply anguished by the news of terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.”

The attack, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, took place earlier on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and directed him to take all necessary measures in response to the incident.

PM Modi has also asked the Home Minister to visit the site of the attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district to assess the situation personally.

Earlier in the day, some civilians were reportedly injured after terrorists opened fire in the Pahalgam area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. However, the state government has not issued any official statement on casualties or injuries so far. Tourists injured in the terrorist attack have been moved to the local hospital in Pahalgam.

JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “The death toll is still being ascertained, so 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.”

The CM expressed deep sorrow and outrage at the incident.

“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,” he said.

He added that arrangements were being made at the hospital for the injured. “I’ve spoken to my colleague; Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately,” he said.

Political leaders across parties have strongly condemned the firing incident reported in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir, calling it an attack on peace and the region’s tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Security forces and police personnel rushed to the site immediately after the attack. Ambulances were also rushed to the location. (ANI)