Pahalgam terror attack: A world of condemnation

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists and said Europe stands with India.

“The vile terror attack in Pahalgam today stole so many innocent lives. My deepest condolences to @narendramodi and every Indian heart grieving today.

“Yet I know that India’s spirit is unbreakable. You will stand strong in this ordeal. And Europe will stand with you,” she said in a post on X early on 23 April, Wednesday.

Austrailia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on X saying the attack shocked him and writinf “There is no justification for this violence and Australia condemns it.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the terrorist attack in Kashmir, joined by Foreign Secretary David Lammy who described it as a “cowardly” act.

“The horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir today is utterly devastating. My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India,” said Starmer in a post on his X handle.

Lammy also took to the platform a little earlier with his reaction: “I am appalled by the horrific and cowardly terrorist attack on Kashmir earlier today. My thoughts are with all of those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones.”

The official UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advisory for the region, which advises against all travel to the region, remains unchanged.

“FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway),” it reads.

Meanwhile, diaspora groups in Britain have also been taking to social media to express their shock and horror at the gunning down of tourists in the popular scenic resort.

Earlier, in a call with Modi, President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the “heinous attack.”

Vivek Ramaswamy, who was a 2024 presidential primary candidate, also paid tributes to the deceased and offered prayers for those who were injured to recover quickly.

In Kathmandu, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attack and extended deepest condolences to the victims. “Nepal stands firmly with India and strongly condemns any and all acts of terrorism,” Oli wrote on X.

Close coordination has been established with different agencies to verify reports of a Nepali national among the victims, Oli said and expressed commitment to provide all necessary assistance from the government.

“FISI UK strongly condemns the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and demands immediate action to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Such a sinister agenda will never succeed — they must be held to account,” said a statement from the Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK.

Meanwhile, China on Wednesday “strongly condemned” the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.

“China has noted the reports,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here while responding to a query on the attack.

“We strongly condemn the attack. China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism. We mourn for the lives lost and express sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured,” he said.

Separately, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong also condemned the attack. "Shocked by the attack in Pahalgam and condemn,” he posted on X.

“Deep condolences for the victims and sincere sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families. Oppose terrorism of all forms,” he added.

Terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.