National Desk
23 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist and Research Analysist
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi early Wednesday morning following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The attack took place on Tuesday evening and claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including two foreign nationals and several local residents. The Prime Minister immediately called a meeting at the Delhi airport to assess the situation and discuss further action.
As per official sources, the brief meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The focus of the discussion was the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the attack. The government is expected to consider all possible responses and make a well-planned decision on the next steps.
The terror attack took place in the popular tourist area of Pahalgam, located in South Kashmir. Armed terrorists opened fire on a group of civilians, many of whom were tourists from various parts of India and abroad. Among the deceased were two foreign nationals – one from the UAE and another from Nepal – along with two local Kashmiri residents. At least five of the victims were from Maharashtra, and many others were seriously injured.
In response to the tragic loss, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached out to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. He officially requested arrangements to bring back the bodies of the victims and evacuate stranded tourists from the region. During their conversation, Shinde urged the central government to arrange a special flight for the safe return of Maharashtra tourists stuck in Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Naidu accepted the request and assured that once the list of stranded tourists is received, a special flight will be arranged to bring them back to Mumbai safely.
The incident has received widespread international condemnation. Leaders from across the globe have expressed solidarity with India. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with PM Modi on Tuesday night, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and extending his support. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had written a letter to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, condemning the attack and standing in unity with India.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also sent her condolences, and the UAE condemned the act of terror as well. Meanwhile, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli took to Twitter to share his grief. He wrote, “Deep condolences to the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam. Nepal stands strongly with India and firmly condemns terrorism. We are coordinating closely to confirm the reports regarding the death of a Nepali citizen and will provide all necessary assistance.”
The Indian government has vowed to respond firmly to the attack and ensure that justice is served. Security in Kashmir has been heightened, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those behind the heinous act.