A horrific terrorist attack in the serene meadows of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left the nation reeling, with multiple casualties, including an Odia tourist.
The brazen assault, which targeted innocent visitors in the Baisaran Valley, has been met with widespread condemnation, with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi leading the chorus of outrage. Describing the attack as “heinous and barbaric,” Majhi expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and took immediate steps to ensure the dignified repatriation of the deceased Odia tourist’s body to their hometown.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, saw unidentified gunmen open fire on a group of tourists trekking in the picturesque Baisaran meadows, a popular spot known as “mini-Switzerland” for its lush landscapes. According to reports, at least 26 people were killed, including tourists from various states and two foreign nationals, with several others injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, which Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
To ensure the deceased Odia tourist’s body is returned to their family with respect and care, Majhi directed the Principal Resident Commissioner in New Delhi to coordinate logistics. The commissioner has been tasked with working closely with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the smooth and timely transport of the mortal remains to Balasore. “We are committed to supporting the family in this hour of grief,” the Chief Minister’s Office stated, adding that all necessary arrangements are being made to expedite the process.
The attack has sparked nationwide outrage, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Modi, who is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack via a post on X, stating, “Those behind this heinous act will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable.” Shah, who has rushed to Srinagar for an urgent security review, echoed the sentiment, promising the “harshest consequences” for those responsible.
Eyewitness accounts paint a chilling picture of the chaos that unfolded in Pahalgam. Survivors reported gunmen dressed in military fatigues emerging from the surrounding forests and firing indiscriminately at tourists. Locals played a crucial role in the aftermath, using ponies to evacuate the injured from the remote meadow, while security forces deployed helicopters to airlift victims to hospitals.
