SRINAGAR: The deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam—the worst of its kind in Jammu & Kashmir—has provoked a widespread outcry across the political spectrum, with former CM Omar Abdullah calling it “an abomination perpetrated by animals—inhuman and utterly contemptible.”
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured swift and decisive action, stating, “The blood of our forces is boiling. Those responsible for this heinous act will pay a very heavy price.”
Clearly shaken, Abdullah said, “I am shocked beyond belief. No words can adequately condemn this atrocity. This is far beyond anything we’ve witnessed against civilians in recent years.” The attack comes just six months into Abdullah’s second tenure as CM, already marred by frequent militant strikes.
PDP president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti also denounced the attack, calling the targeting of innocent tourists “senseless and unjustifiable.” “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This violence serves no purpose—only sorrow,” she said.
Leading cleric and separatist Hurriyat figure Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep anguish, saying the attack was a betrayal of Kashmiri values. “This violence is unacceptable and contradicts the ethos of Kashmiri hospitality. We welcome visitors with love and warmth. I strongly condemn this act,” he said.
People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone echoed the sentiment, lamenting the damage to Kashmir’s hard-earned image as a peaceful tourist destination. “Kashmiris had begun to dream again. These ugly villains have shattered that. These attacks aim to economically disempower us once more,” he said. “They defile our past, curse our present, and endanger our children. These tourists are our revered guests—this must end.”
In Delhi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) called on all political parties to unite in their condemnation. “The government must ensure comprehensive relief for the affected families and deliver swift justice,” said RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale.
BJP president and Union Minister JP Nadda reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. “The Modi government will ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge declared solidarity with the victims and called for united efforts to counter cross-border terrorism. “These cowardly attacks are a stain on humanity,” he stated.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, while condemning the attack, criticized the BJP-led government for its claims about peace in J&K. “Stop making hollow claims about normalcy. The government must take responsibility and act decisively to prevent such tragedies,” he said.
Meanwhile, LG Sinha confirmed he had spoken with the DGP and senior Army officials, who assured him that search operations were underway to track down those behind the attack.
