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Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays tribute to the 26 people who died in the Pahalgam terror attack as the coffins carrying the deceased reach Srinagar Airport. He is set to meet the family of the victims in Jammu and Kashmir.
A day after a horrifying terror attack claimed the lives of 26 people in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to pay homage to the victims and oversee security operations. On Wednesday morning, Shah laid a wreath in tribute to the deceased at a solemn ceremony held outside the Police Control Room, marking a somber moment in a region now reeling from grief.
#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Srinagar, J&K pic.twitter.com/tPRSj4ewUg
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025
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The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, is considered one of the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, shaking not only Kashmir but the entire country.
A Nation in Mourning
The victims, many of them tourists, were caught in a sudden and brutal terrorist assault in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, located in South Kashmir. Officials said at least 26 people were killed and around 20 others injured in what is being called one of the most heinous acts of terror in recent years.
Security agencies launched massive search operations across the region on Wednesday to track down the attackers, who remain at large. Forces are scouring surrounding forests and tourist areas as part of the continuing manhunt.
Shah Chairs High-Level Meeting, Vows Harsh Action
After arriving in Srinagar late Tuesday evening, Amit Shah immediately chaired a high-level security meeting with officials from all major intelligence and paramilitary agencies. The meeting focused on tracking down those behind the attack and ensuring such an incident does not happen again.
The Home Minister said that the attackers would face strict consequences. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences. Briefed PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing.”
Prime Minister Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official state visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi immediately. He had been on a two-day visit to the kingdom at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
As soon as he landed at Palam Airport, PM Modi held a security briefing with top officials including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to assess the situation and coordinate a national response.
Complete Shutdown in the Valley
As a mark of respect to the victims and in protest against the attack, political parties, civil society groups, and traders’ unions across Kashmir have called for a complete shutdown across the valley on Wednesday. Shops and businesses remained closed as locals joined in collective mourning.
This show of solidarity reflects the deep shock and sorrow that has gripped the region, once again bringing focus to the fragile security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
What Happens Next?
As the government ramps up its investigation and security response, the families of the victims await justice and closure. Amit Shah’s visit and his meeting with bereaved families is seen as a gesture of support from the Centre, but citizens are also demanding stronger policies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Security forces continue their search for those responsible. Meanwhile, the entire country stands with Kashmir, united in grief—and now, in the hope that justice will soon follow.
