GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that left at least 26 people dead, including two foreign tourists. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
The Prime Minister returned early from his visit to Saudi Arabia to review the situation.
The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon, April 22, when a group of terrorists opened fire on civilians in the Baisaran meadows, a popular trekking spot in the upper reaches of Pahalgam. Several others were injured, with some reported to be in critical condition. While the government has not issued an official statement on the number of casualties, officials have warned that the death toll may increase.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said he had spoken with Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Congress’ state unit chief Tariq Karra to seek updates.
Chief Minister Abdullah condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as one of the most brutal attacks on civilians in recent years and calling the perpetrators “inhuman and worthy of contempt.”
“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough.”
