1745400771436Modi leads from the front after deadly Pahalgam terror strike kills 26 tourists

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi curtailed his Saudi Arabia trip and came back to India after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists and left dozens injured. Describing the attack as ‘heinous,’ PM Modi assured the nation that those responsible for the slaughter will be brought to justice. “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable, and it will get even stronger,” the Prime Minister posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

After arriving in Delhi, PM Modi had a meeting on Wednesday with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He later directed Union Minister Amit Shah to rush to the valley to take stock of the situation. Shah convened an emergency review with senior security officials and assured prompt, decisive action.

 

Attack in Disguise: Militants Pose as Soldiers

 

The attack started at about 1.30 PM in Baisaran meadow, also called ‘mini-Switzerland,’ a common trekking point close to Pahalgam in Anantnag district. As narrated by the survivors, the attackers were a group of three to four terrorists in army uniform who emerged from the forests and appeared before tourists dressed as security forces. When tourists answered the questions asked of them, the attackers started firing in which the men were selectively targeted, but the women were not harmed.

One woman, whose husband was shot in front of her, related that the shooter said to her, “Go tell this to Modi,” highlighting the ominous political subtext of the attack.

 

Evacuation Impeded by Isolated Terrain

 

The mountainous terrain at high altitude, which can only be reached on horseback, or on foot, was a major challenge for rescue work. Locals helped by using ponies to transport the injured, and helicopters for medical evacuations. Pahalgam Hospital took in at least 12 injured tourists.

 

Security Forces Strike Back

 

In a connected development, Indian security personnel exchanged fire and eliminated two terrorists in Baramulla’s Uri Nala area while attempting an infiltration. A huge arsenal of ammunition and weapons was seized. The encounter was less than 24 hours after the Pahalgam attack, indicating increased counterterrorism efforts.

 

Attack Condemned by Global Leaders

 

Global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed solidarity with India. Trump called PM Modi personally, expressing complete cooperation and sending condolences. “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Worst Attack on Tourists Since 1990s

 

The Resistance Front, a proxy of ISI-sponsored Lashkar-e-Taiba, has taken responsibility for the attack. It is the most fatal attack on tourists in Kashmir since the beginning of militancy in the 1990s, reminding us of the 2000 Chittisinghpora massacre. The brutality, carried out in daylight in a busy tourist area, has fueled national outrage and fresh calls for enhanced security measures.