Srinagar: As of the latest reports, at least 28 people have died in Tuesday’s terror attack in Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The Lashkar-e-Taiba is suspected to be behind the attack, which primarily targeted tourists. Among the deceased are two foreign nationals and two locals. Reports also confirm that tourists from Gujarat were injured, and one person from the state has reportedly died.
Bhavnagar’s Vinodbhai Dabhi Injured
Vinodbhai Dabhi from Bhavnagar was among the injured, according to local sources. Bhavnagar District Collector Dr. Manishkumar Bansal stated that the injured person is a Bhavnagar resident and is currently under medical care. He also mentioned that many people had traveled to the region for Morari Bapu’s religious event. Two individuals out of a group of 20 are reported missing.
According to reports, 26-year-old Indian Navy officer Lt. Vinay Narwal, stationed in Kochi and a native of Haryana, also lost his life in the attack. He had been recently married on April 16. Additionally, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer was also confirmed among the dead.
Tourists and Locals Among the Victims
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunfire in the area, following which security forces launched a search operation. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
PM Modi Cancels Saudi Arabia Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, stating that those responsible would not be spared. He assured the nation that justice would be served for this cowardly act. PM Modi spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and directed immediate action in response to the attack. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Prime Minister has reportedly canceled his visit to Saudi Arabia and decided to return to India without delay.
High-Level Security Meeting by Amit Shah
Following the incident, Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Kashmir and convened a high-level emergency security meeting with all agencies. The meeting took place at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar, attended by army, police, and senior officials. Security has been tightened in and around Pahalgam, with the Indian Army, CRPF, and local police conducting joint search operations. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Major Military Operation Underway
In response to the large-scale attack, a massive counter-terror operation has been launched. Indian Army’s Victor Force, Special Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police’s SOG, and CRPF are jointly involved in this operation. Security forces are currently deployed at the scene, and efforts are ongoing to gather further intelligence.
Mumbai Police on Alert
Following the attack, Mumbai Police has been placed on high alert. A senior official stated that all senior police officers have been instructed to remain vigilant in their respective jurisdictions. All Senior Police Inspectors (SPIs) and Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been directed to intensify security. Police have also begun setting up checkpoints at key locations across the city.
Kerala High Court Judges Narrowly Escape
In a fortunate turn of events, three Kerala High Court judges and their families narrowly escaped the deadly attack in Pahalgam. They had left the area just hours before the incident occurred, in which more than 28 people were killed.