Celebrities Demand Justice as Pahalgam Terror Attack Leaves 26 Dead, Nation in Mourning
In a horrifying terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, 26 people were killed and several others injured after gunmen opened fire on tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow on Tuesday afternoon. The massacre, one of the deadliest on civilians in recent years, has drawn nationwide outrage and emotional reactions from the Indian film industry.
Celebrities including Mammootty, Alia Bhatt, Sunny Deol, Vijay Deverakonda, Allu Arjun, and Kareena Kapoor Khan took to social media to express grief and demand justice. The collective outcry emphasized national unity and the need to combat terrorism.
Alia Bhatt, in a heartfelt Instagram note, wrote, “The news from Pahalgam is heartbreaking… Every time something like this happens, it chips away at our shared humanity.”
Malayalam superstar Mammootty called it a “national tragedy,” adding, “Words fall short in the face of such tragedy… We place our full trust in our Armed Forces to bring justice for the brave souls we lost.”
Actor Vijay Deverakonda, recalling his time filming in Pahalgam, said, “Shooting tourists is the most shameful, cowardly act of dumb terrorism hiding behind guns… We stand with Kashmir.”
According to intelligence sources, the attack has been claimed by a shadow outfit believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The targeted firing occurred in an open tourist area where families had gathered to take photos against the scenic backdrop of the Baisaran meadows.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, returned to India late Tuesday and convened an emergency meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Shah is already in Kashmir overseeing ground-level security measures.
Telugu actor Allu Arjun called it a “heartbreaking” day for the nation, offering condolences to the families. Ram Charan, Mahesh Babu, and Nagarjuna Akkineni echoed similar sentiments, with the latter tagging PM Modi and thanking him for a “swift response.”
Sunny Deol shared his thoughts in Hindi, emphasizing, “Only innocent people fall victim to terrorism. Humanity needs to introspect.”
Instagram stories from Sidharth Malhotra, Kareena Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Vicky Kaushal showed black backgrounds and candle emojis—a digital vigil observed by thousands of fans.
Pahalgam, known for its pristine beauty and as a base for the annual Amarnath Yatra, had seen a steady return of tourists over recent years. The latest attack is likely to impact both public morale and the region’s fragile tourism industry.
Security experts say the assault was designed to destabilize peace in the Valley and send a message as India prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. “It’s not just an act of violence; it’s a psychological operation to spread fear,” said Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain.
Security has been heightened across Jammu & Kashmir, with combing operations underway in Pahalgam and Anantnag districts. Authorities are working to identify the attackers through CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts.
In his address to the nation expected later today, PM Modi is likely to outline the government’s plan for counter-terror operations and support for the victims’ families. Meanwhile, a compensation package is being prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As the nation mourns, the message from citizens and celebrities alike is clear: justice must be swift, and the sacrifices of the innocent must not go in vain.