Srinagar, Apr 22 (KNO): Cutting across the lines people from all sections of society, including politicians, business leaders, religious clerics, fruit growers and others condemned the terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, which claimed many lives and left several others injured.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MANOJ SINHA
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while expressing shock and grief over the cowardly terror attack on tourists, according to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Perpetrators won't be spared.”
The Lieutenant Governor posted on X: "I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. Spoke to the DGP & Security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations. Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”
In a separate post, the LG said that the perpetrators of this attack will have to pay a heavy price. “Anti-terror ops launched to neutralise terrorists. Entire nation is angry & blood of our forces is boiling. I want to assure the nation that perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families,” Office of J&K LG wrote on X.
CHIEF MINISTER OMAR ABDULLAH
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound shock and anguish over the horrific terrorist attack on tourists at Pahalgam earlier today.
Describing the assault as an “abomination,” the Chief Minister stated that targeting innocent tourists is an act of sheer brutality and inhumanity.
“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,” the Chief Minister said in a strongly worded statement.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Chief Minister has been in constant touch with senior officials and has spoken to the Minister of Health, Sakina Itoo, who immediately rushed to the hospital to oversee treatment and support arrangements for the injured.
He further announced that he would be flying back to Srinagar immediately to personally monitor the situation and ensure all possible assistance is extended to the victims and their families.
“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,” he said.
Also, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the phone about the tragic incident at the Pahalgam tourist resort.
DyCM, SURINDER KUMAR CHOUDHARY
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary in a post termed the attack as a heinous act and said that those responsible are barbaric and devoid of humanity.
“I’m utterly horrified by this attack on our people. It’s a heinous act, and those responsible are barbaric and devoid of humanity. Words fall short in expressing the outrage this deserves. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims,” Surinder Choudhary wrote.
LEADER OF OPPOSITION SUNIL SHARMA
Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly and BJP leader, Sunil Sharma condemned the attack and prayed for the early recovery of the injured persons.
“Strongly condemn the cowardly and barbaric terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Praying for the early recovery of the injured. My thoughts are with all those affected,” Sunil Sharma wrote.
MIRWAIZ MOULVI UMAR FAROOQ
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Moulvi Umar Farooq in a post on X said that such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir. “Deeply disturbing news from Pahalgam of a cowardly attack on tourists that has resulted in tragic loss of life. Such violence is unacceptable and 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,” Mirwaiz wrote.
TARIQ HAMEED KARRA
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra also strongly condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, calling it “highly condemnable”.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, Karra as per KNO questioned the BJP’s repeated claims of normalcy in the region, stating that the ground reality paints a different picture. “On the one hand, the BJP claims that terrorism has been wiped out and the situation is peaceful. But such attacks expose the loopholes we have been highlighting for a long time,” Karra said.
He highlighted that terrorism, which had shifted towards Jammu recently, appears to be returning to Kashmir, as evident by the Pahalgam attack. “If the situation is so good, as claimed by the BJP, then why are such incidents still taking place,” he asked.
Calling out the BJP for ‘misleading the entire country’, Karra demanded accountability from both the central government and the Union Home Ministry. “They owe an explanation not only to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but to the entire nation,” he said.
Karra acknowledged the efforts of the security personnel in maintaining peace during elections and the Amarnath Yatra. However, he stressed that the recurring violent incidents undermine the BJP’s narrative of peace and normalcy in the region.
“The government must clarify the actual situation on the ground. Selling an image of calm while the reality is different is not a sustainable or honest strategy,” Karra said.
MEHBOOBA MUFTI
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief, Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack and said that such violence must be denounced. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed 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. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” she wrote.
SAJAD GANI LONE
Handwara legislator and Peoples Conference (PC) Chief, Sajad Gani Lone condemned the attack and said that these terror attacks are aimed at yet again disempowering us economically. “Condemn strongly the dastardly and cowardly attack in Pahalgam. For decades we have been identified with being great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all. Tourism industry has suffered. And people involved in tourism have after a long time begun to restart their lives. They had begun to dream. And here are the ugly villians to shatter it all,” Sajad wrote.
“Make no mistake. These terror attacks are aimed at yet again disempowering us economically. Those who do this are the worst enemies of Kashmiris. They defile our history of hospitality, smearing our glorious past. And they are a curse on our present. They are enemies of our children of our young generation. We have to unitedly send a message that there is no tolerance for terror. Let us live our lives in peace and economic dignity. Please get out of our lives. These tourists are our revered guests,” he added.
WAHEED-UR-REHMAN PARRA
PDP MLA from Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra in a post said that this senseless violence serves no purpose. “Strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This senseless violence serves no purpose, defies all sense and humanity. Kashmir has suffered enough,” Parra wrote.
M Y TARIGAMI
Condemning the dastardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said the inhuman act of violence must be denounced in the strongest possible terms.
“Violence serves no purpose and must be condemned from all quarters. Such cowardly attacks on innocent civilians have no place in any civilised society. The perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice without delay,” Tarigami said.
He further said that the attack on tourists, who had come to experience the beauty of Pahalgam, is beyond words—deeply unfortunate and shocking.
ILTIJA MUFTI
PDP leader, Iltija Mufti also condemned the attack and termed it as shameful act of violence. “Strongly condemn the shameful act of violence that’s claimed the lives of five & left many injured in Baisaran Pahalgam today. Kashmiris have always welcomed tourists with open arms & this incident is most unfortunate. Request the media to conduct themselves responsibly & not unnecessarily kindle speculation which could in turn create a sense of panic amongst tourists visiting the Valley,” she wrote.
SYED ALTAF BUKHARI
Apni Party President and former minister, Syed Altaf Bukhari said that targeting innocent tourists is an act of cowardice and a worst form of terrorism. “The terror attack in Pahalgam has left us all deeply shocked and saddened. Targeting innocent tourists is an act of cowardice and a worst form of terrorism. I am sure that our security agencies will swiftly nab the perpetrators and bring them to justice. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a full and speedy recovery, and with their families for strength during this difficult time,” he wrote on X.
HAKEEM MOHAMMAD YASEEN
Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Front President Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen expressed shock and grief over the terrorist attack on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam.
In his statement issued here, Hakeem Yaseen said, "I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about this heinous terrorist attack that claimed the life of a tourist and left several others injured. This attack is the worst form of terrorism and is highly condemnable." Such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth. Condemn it strongly.
Hakeem Yaseen expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
State Secretary of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Sheikh Ashiq has said that the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, is a deeply disturbing incident that has caused immense fear and harm to innocent people.
“Such acts of violence are unacceptable and condemnable, regardless of the perpetrator or their motives. My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” he said.
KASHMIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Meanwhile, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed deep anguish over the attack on tourists in Pahalgam and strongly condemned this dastardly act of violence.
The KCCI demanded that authorities investigate this gruesome attack on a fast track basis and ensure that the culprits are swiftly brought to justice.
The Chamber extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured tourists. The KCCI has appealed to the authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to all those affected.
The KCCI believes this targeted attack is clearly designed to harm Kashmir's reputation and undermine the flourishing tourism industry. Such acts of violence go against the hospitable nature of Kashmiri people who have always welcomed visitors with open arms.
The Chamber reiterated its commitment to supporting all measures that ensure the safety and security of tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley.
FRUIT GROWERS CUM DEALERS UNION
Also, the Management of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, an umbrella Body of all Fruit Growers Associations of the Valley and the members of The New Kashmir Fruit Association Fruit Marketing Complex, Parimpora, Srinagar, strongly condemned the terrorist attack.
Such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which always welcome visitors with love and warmth, a statement issued to KNO reads.
The Management of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union and the Members of The New Kashmir Fruit Association, Parimpora, Srinagar prayed with the families of victims and wished speedy recovery of the injured tourists.
The cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam is strongly condemned and such violence is denounced always. Historically Kashmir welcomes tourists warmly making this real incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice ensuring visitors safely and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks, the statement reads.
Targeting innocent tourists is an act of cowardice and a worst form of terrorism. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a full and speedy recovery and with their families for strength during this difficult time. This attack is not on tourists but on humanity—(KNO)