By The Sampadak Express
In a devastating terror attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, at least 26 civilians—mostly tourists—lost their lives on Tuesday. The attack, which took place at the remote meadow accessible only by foot or pony, marks the deadliest assault in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike.
According to officials, the deceased include two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, along with two locals. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has reportedly claimed responsibility. However, an official government confirmation is still awaited.
In a swift response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi early Wednesday morning. On arrival, he convened an emergency briefing at the airport with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
PM Modi condemned the “heinous act” and vowed that the perpetrators “will be brought to justice and will not be spared.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also rushed to Jammu and Kashmir to oversee security operations and lead crisis management efforts in the region.
The international community strongly condemned the attack, with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing solidarity with India and extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Authorities have issued emergency helpline numbers for those seeking information:
Emergency Control Room – Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651, 7006058623
24/7 Tourist Help Desk – Police Control Room, Anantnag: 9596777669, 01932-225870, WhatsApp: 9419051940
Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department: 8899931010, 8899941010, 9906663868, 9906906115
Security forces have launched a massive manhunt to track down those responsible for the attack, as the nation mourns one of the most chilling acts of terror in recent years.
For the latest updates, stay tuned to the sampadak express.
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