Pahalgam Attack Widely Condemned ‘It’s Painful, Shocking: President of India Perpetrators Won’t Go Unpunished: LG

Srinagar, Apr 22, KNT: Widespread condemnation poured in from across the political spectrum following Tuesday’s deadly militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which left multiple people dead and over 20 others injured. The attack occurred in the Baisaran area of the popular tourist resort in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The President of India while condemning the attack, said that it is shocking and painful. She said it is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. “Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured,” she said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha termed the attack a “cowardly act” and vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished. “I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam,” Sinha posted on X. He added that Army and police teams had been rushed to the area, and instructions were given to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in Jammu at the time of the attack, said he was “shocked beyond belief.” Calling the attack “an abomination,” he described the perpetrators as “inhuman and worthy of contempt.” Abdullah announced he would fly back to Srinagar immediately and confirmed that Minister Sakina Itoo had reached the hospital to assist the victims.

Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack, stating that “violence is unacceptable and must be denounced.” She called for a thorough probe into potential security lapses and stressed the need to safeguard Kashmir’s image as a welcoming destination.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) described the incident as a “shameful and mindless act.” Its president, Tariq Hameed Karra, criticized the BJP-led Centre for its security claims and called for the attackers to face exemplary punishment.

People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone said the attack was an attempt to destroy Kashmir’s economic hopes. “These cowardly terrorists want to destroy our history of hospitality,” he said. “They are enemies of our children and our future.”

CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami condemned the attack as an “inhuman act of violence,” while Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the incident goes against Kashmir’s ethos of warmth and hospitality. “Such violence is unacceptable,” he added.

BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur alleged that the attack was orchestrated to damage the Valley’s economy and accused Pakistan of fuelling militancy in frustration over the region’s growing normalcy. [KNT]