‘Larger than anything in recent years’: Kashmir leaders, Amit Shah condemn attack on tourists in Pahalgam

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the attack an “abomination”.

“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo and she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

CM Abdullah also said that while the death toll is still being ascertained, “this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who heads law and order in the Union Territory, said “those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. Spoke to the DGP and security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations.”

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack, saying that such violence is “unacceptable and must be denounced”.

Emphasising that Kashmir has historically welcomed tourists warmly, Mufti said the incident is “deeply concerning”, and called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. “Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks,” she said.

Condoling the loss of lives, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s head cleric said, “Deeply disturbing news from Pahalgam of a cowardly attack on tourists that has resulted in tragic loss of life.”

He said that the incident goes “against the ethos of Kashmir, which welcomes visitors with love and warmth. Condemn it strongly. Thoughts and prayers with the families of victims and wishing speedy recovery to the injured.”