Pahalgam terror attack: 'Attack larger than anything at civilians in recent years,' says Omar Abdullah

Pahalgam terror attack

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock over terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which killed one and injured several tourists. He called it one of the biggest attack on civilians in recent years.

"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. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," he posted on X.

"The death toll is still being ascertained so I don’t want to get in to 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," he added.

Im 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. Ive spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025

The death toll is still being ascertained so I dont want to get in to those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything weve seen directed at civilians in recent years.Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he has briefed PM Modi about the incident and will be leaving for Srinagar to hold urgent security review.

"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. Briefed PM Shri @narendramodi 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," he posted on X.

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.
Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 22, 2025

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack and called for measures to prevent such attacks in future.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed one and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," JKPDP chief Mehbooba Mufti posted on X.

I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now . Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced.Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeplyMehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 22, 2025

BJP spokesperson Ajay Alok blamed Pakistan for the attack and said action will be taken against them.

“Such attacks can only be done by Pakistan-backed terrorists. They have forgotten that it's the Modi government (in Centre), and we will take action. Our soldiers will not leave them… Elections were conducted peacefully, tourists were travelling there, and everything was going well. It’s just their effort to create tensions,” said BJP spokesperson Ajay Alok.

According to initial reports, terrorists fired at a resort for about 3 to 5 minutes before fleeing the scene.

A joint operation has been launched by the Indian Army’s Victor Force, Special Forces, J&K Police's SoG, and CRPF's 116 Battalion.

"My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack," a woman survivor told news agency PTI over the phone.

A doctor at the Pahalgam hospital said 12 injured tourists were admitted there and the condition of all of them was stable.