Pahalgam, Apr 22 —One tourist was killed and at least 20 others injured when militants opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam on Monday afternoon, sending shockwaves across the Valley and drawing condemnation from all quarters, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the site and monitor the situation.
Sources said that the PM, currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, spoke with Shah over the phone and asked him to ensure all necessary steps are taken in the aftermath of the attack.
Following the call, Shah convened an emergency meeting at his residence in Delhi. The IB Chief, Home Secretary, CRPF DG, J&K Police Chief and senior Army officials joined the meeting, some via video conferencing.
Amit Shah also spoke with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, sources said.
Both leaders condemned the attack and said search operations were underway.
“I assure the people that those behind this despicable act will not go unpunished,” LG Sinha posted on X.
He said the injured were being treated at Pahalgam and GMC Anantnag. CM Omar Abdullah called the attack an "abomination" and said he was flying back to Srinagar immediately.
Forces have launched a search operation in and around Baisaran.
Prominent political voices across Jammu and Kashmir also denounced the attack.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called it a “cowardly attack” and said it went against the ethos of Kashmiri hospitality. Mehbooba Mufti, while expressing shock, demanded a thorough investigation into possible security lapses.
Sajad Lone said such attacks were “aimed at disempowering” Kashmiris and called the attackers “a curse on our present.”
Altaf Bukhari and BJP’s Altaf Thakur echoed similar sentiments, stressing that targeting tourists is a direct assault on Kashmir’s economy and image.
Security has been heightened in tourist hotspots and along major roads in South Kashmir, as authorities remain on high alert.