Prime Minister Narendra Modi cuts short his official visit to Saudi Arabia following the massacre of tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, earlier today.
India was literally caught unaware as the Valley had been peaceful and tourism had revived. Today afternoon tourists visiting Baisaran Meadows of Pahalgam heard gunshots followed by indiscriminate firing. Terrorists killed those who were found to be Hindus. Over 30 people including foreigners are reportedly dead and many others injured.
Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to the Valley to monitor the situation.
Today’s massacre has coincided with US Vice President J D Vance’s India visit. Exactly 25 years back a similar massacre took place in Kashmir – the Chittisinghpura massacre where 35 Sikh villagers were killed by terrorists. That took place on the eve of the then American president Bill Clinton’s state visit to India.
“There seems to be a pattern but this incident will not be overlooked. Situation at the border will remain tense and we can’t rule out retaliatory measures,” said a source.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Pakistani diplomat on conditions of anonymity said that they were fearing the worst. “We condemn this heinous act and can’t imagine why innocent people were killed. We are worried about what lies ahead between our two nations,” he added.
It may be recalled that two days back Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir while justifying the creation of his country reiterated that there was nothing in common with Indians (Hindus) and Pakistanis and urged his countrymen to instill this narrative in the younger generation.
India’s diplomatic ties with Pakistan are already downgraded. With this incident tensions are likely to mount further.
Indians are outraged by the incident and leaders from across the world from U.S. President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin have condemned this attack.
As the days unfold things would become clearer on what action India would take, until then one can hope that justice prevails and those responsible are brought to book.@yeshiseli