Security agencies have released sketches and photographs of three terrorists involved in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, a horrifying incident that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The attack has been attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group affiliated with the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which has claimed responsibility for this brutal act.
Intelligence sources indicate that two of the attackers are believed to be foreign nationals. The security apparatus is currently mobilizing resources to identify and apprehend those responsible, who targeted unarmed civilians in a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar early in the morning to oversee an emergency security review alongside Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Shah paid homage to the victims before their bodies were transported back to their respective home states. He emphasized India’s resolute stance against terrorism, declaring, “Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits will not be spared,” in a message shared on social media platform X.
In a significant response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip to return to India. He strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a “heinous act,” and assured the public that justice will be served. Modi expressed unwavering confidence in India’s commitment to combating terrorism, stating, “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and only grows stronger.”
Eyewitnesses and survivors have described the horrific events of the day, detailing how the terrorists reportedly asked victims about their religion before executing some at point-blank range. Among the victims were honeymooning couples and families who had traveled to the picturesque Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, underscoring the senseless nature of the attack on innocent civilians.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated that airlines implement fare caps to facilitate the safe return of stranded tourists from Kashmir. Furthermore, additional flights are being organized to expedite evacuation efforts for those affected.
As security forces intensify their manhunt for the attackers involved in this tragic incident, heightened security alerts have been issued across major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, to prevent further violence.
The nation is in mourning, reflecting on the profound loss and the urgent need to enhance security measures in light of one of the deadliest terror strikes since the Pulwama attack. The government’s swift response and the mobilization of resources highlight the severity of the situation and the commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens, especially in vulnerable tourist areas.