Pahalgam terror attack: LeT offshoot claims responsibility amidst widespread outrage

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday condemned the suspected terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir's Anantnag district, saying it is a blot on humanity.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed terror group and offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes at a time when US vice-president J.D. Vance is on a visit to the country with his family. Intelligence sources have noted TRF’s history of similar attacks, including one in Ganderbal that killed seven.

Amidst conflicting reports of the death toll, PTI reported that the attack is feared to have killed multiple people and injured at least 20, while a Reuters report earlier said at least five tourists were feared dead and eight injured, citing a police source, which would still make this the worst such attack in the territory in nearly a year. Some media reports said one tourist had been declared dead so far, with a report in the Hindu identifying the deceased as Manjunath from Shivamogga.

Worryingly, however, J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah posted on X that the final death toll was yet to be ascertained.

Kharge also said the country's national security is paramount and urged the Central government to take corrective measures. "I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The entire nation is united in fighting the scourge of cross-border terrorism.

"These dastardly targeted attacks are a blot on humanity. News reports indicate that precious lives have been lost. On behalf of the Congress party, my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured," the Congress president said in a post on X. "India's National Security is paramount and we urge the GOI to take corrective measures to ensure the same."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a trip to Saudi Arabia, spoke to Union home minister Amit Shah following the attack and asked him to take all suitable steps to deal with the situation. Modi, official sources said, has also asked Shah to visit the Union Territory.

The BJP-led Union government had claimed that the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution (which granted special status to J&K) would help reduce militancy in the erstwhile state and current Union Territory, since the move would bring J&K directly under Central control.

Pahalgam is a popular destination in the scenic Union Territory, which draws thousands of visitors every summer as militant violence has reduced in recent years.

Congress general-secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also denounced the attack as a highly condemnable and shameful act, and said the country stands united against terrorism. "Targeting unarmed and innocent civilians is a crime against humanity. This is completely unacceptable. The whole country stands united against terrorism and strongly condemns it," she said in a post on X in Hindi.

"According to reports, many tourists have been killed in this attack. May God grant peace to the departed souls. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," she said.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 3.00 pm when terrorists descended from the mountain in Baisaran valley, a meadow accessible only by foot or ponies in Pahalgam, and began firing at the tourists.

Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant-governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. "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," the LG said in a post on X.

He said he has spoken to the director-general of police and other security officials, and that teams of the Army and police have been rushed to the area to launch 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," he added.

Abdullah also condemned the attack, saying it is an abomination. "I'm shocked beyond belief. 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. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased," he said in a post on X.

Abdullah said he has spoken to his ministerial colleague, Sakina Itoo, who has reached the hospital to oversee the arrangements for the injured. "I'll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," the chief minister, who was in Jammu, added.

"The death toll is still being ascertained so I don't want to get into those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said in another X post.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said such attacks 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," she said in a post on X.

The former chief minister said historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning, and called for a thorough investigation.

"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 added.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) strongly condemned the attack, describing it as the most unfortunate and shameful act. "The rank and file of the JKPCC, led by president Tariq Hameed Karra, strongly denounced the militant attack on tourists. It is very shocking and anguishing to learn about the mindless and dastardly militant attack on innocent tourists," it said in a statement.

Such incidents are highly deplorable and have no place in a civilised society, it added.

The incident also placed a big question mark on the tall claims of the BJP-led Centre with regard to the security situation in J&K, the statement said, adding that the perpetrators of the heinous crime must be identified and given exemplary punishment.

People's Conference chief Sajad Lone said the perpetrators of the attack are the worst enemies of Kashmiris. "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," he said in a post on X.

Lone said the tourism industry here has suffered a lot and those involved in the sector have begun to restart their lives after a long time. "They had begun to dream. And here are the ugly villains to shatter it all. 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," Lone said.

With PTI inputs