'This brutal crime has no justification': Russian President Putin condemns Pahalgam terror attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin - File Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, saying the "brutal crime has no justification whatsoever". Russia also said it stood with India “in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”

"This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organisers and perpetrators will face a deserved punishment," read the message from the Russian President.

"I would like to reiterate our commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured," it added.

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said on X, “Deepest condolences to the people and the Government of India over the heinous terror attack against tourists in Pahalgam. Russia resolutely stands with India.”

Terrorists opened fire at a famed meadow near Kashmir’s Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. The 26 dead included two foreigners and two locals, a high ranking official told news agency PTI without getting into details.

Condemning the terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that those behind the heinous act will be brought to justice.

In a post on X, the prime minister said, "They (terrorists) will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger." Modi also conveyed his condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the attack.

"I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected," he said.

Meanwhile, Union  Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar, where he chaired a high-level security review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan.

CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhatand some Army officials also joined the meeting through video conferencing.