Twenty-six tourists were killed and at least 10 others were injured in a terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. According to sources, attackers opened fired at tourists in Baisaran, an off-the-road meadow in Pahalgam. The injured, two of whom are critical, have been rushed to the hospital.
Condemning the terror attack, US Vice President JD Vance, currently on a visit to India with his family, expressed grief over the incident.
“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” he said in a post on X.
Israel also strongly condemned the attack. Its Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated, “Sad and appalled following the terrorist attack in J&K which took the lives of innocent civilians. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and our support is for the security forces in their struggle against terror.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar added, “Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror.”
France’s Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, also condemned the attack, saying, “Strong condemnation of the dastardly attack in Jammu & Kashmir. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. France stands in solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.”
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The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi also expressed its condolences, stating, “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi strongly condemns the terrorist attack in the city of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death and injury of a large number of innocent people. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, especially to the families of the victims of this attack, and wish a speedy recovery and good health to the injured.”
Hervé Delphin, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to India, expressed his shock, saying, “Deeply shocked & saddened by the despicable Pahalgam terrorist attack against innocent tourists. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims & best wishes of recovery to those injured. The EU stands against all forms of terrorism.”
Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, remarked, “Shocked to hear of the reprehensible attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. Our thoughts are with the family of the injured and deceased.”
Mariano Caucino, Argentina’s Ambassador to India, said, “We convey our condolences to the victims of this abominable terrorist act. Argentina stands with India in rejecting all forms of terrorism, extremism, and bigotry. Always with Life and against Terror.”
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, and later reached Srinagar in the evening to chair a security review meeting with top officials. Shah is also expected to visit Pahalgam on Wednesday.
This is the first terror attack on tourists this year. The last time terrorists attacked tourists was in May, last year, when two tourists were injured. That incident also took place in Pahalgam.
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