Amit Shah Pays Tribute to Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims in Srinagar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid solemn tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in Srinagar on Wednesday, following the deadly assault that claimed 28 lives, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Shah, who arrived in Srinagar late Tuesday, laid wreaths at a ceremony held at the police control room.
The wreath-laying ceremony honored the 28 victims, including a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, and tourists from across India, Nepal, and the UAE. “My thoughts are with the families of the deceased,” Shah said, pledging that “those behind this heinous act will face the harshest consequences.” Security forces have launched a massive manhunt in Baisaran meadow, where the attack occurred.
Shah chaired a high-level security meeting at Raj Bhavan, attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The meeting focused on counter-terrorism operations and bolstering security in the region. Sources indicate Shah may visit Anantnag to assess the situation on-ground.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his Saudi Arabia visit, condemned the attack and vowed justice. “Those responsible will not be spared,” Modi posted on X, after chairing a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi.
Survivors recounted chilling details of the attack, with one woman stating terrorists cursed Modi before targeting men, sparing women. “They killed my husband in front of me,” said Pallavi, a tourist from Karnataka. Candlelight marches erupted in Srinagar, Baramulla, and Jammu, reflecting public outrage.
The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike. Security officials revealed a top Lashkar commander planned the assault, with reconnaissance conducted days prior.
Authorities released names of the 28 victims, hailing from states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Gujarat, alongside a Nepali tourist and a local. Five victims were from Maharashtra, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to coordinate evacuation efforts. Air India and IndiGo announced additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai to assist stranded tourists.
Pahalgam, known as “Mini Switzerland,” has long been a tourist haven, but Tuesday’s attack rekindled memories of the Valley’s violent past. The assault, which killed 28 according to some reports, is the worst on civilians since the 1990s insurgency. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it “larger than anything we’ve seen targeting civilians in recent years.”
The attack has sparked political debate, with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi demanding justice and questioning claims of normalcy in Kashmir. “The families deserve our fullest support,” Gandhi said after speaking with Shah and Abdullah.
World leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with India. “Our thoughts are with the victims,” Trump said in a statement. Security forces continue search operations, with Indian Army helicopters patrolling the region.
