Amit Shah visited Pahalgam the site of the horrific terror attack in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam in South Kashmir on Wednesday
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited the site of the recent terror attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, South Kashmir, where heavily armed terrorists brutally targeted a group of tourists. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, left at least 13 people dead and many others grievously injured, shocking the nation and triggering widespread condemnation.
The serene valley, often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its picturesque meadows and snow-capped mountains, was turned into a scene of horror when gunmen ambushed a tourist group in what is being described as a premeditated and religiously targeted act of terror. Survivors and security officials revealed that the attackers selectively segregated the tourists based on religion before executing the massacre—a chilling tactic reminiscent of past communal attacks in the region.
Home Minister’s Visit to Ground Zero
Amit Shah arrived at the attack site aboard an Indian Army helicopter, accompanied by top security officials. He conducted a detailed review of the situation on the ground and was briefed by senior officers from the Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and intelligence agencies about the circumstances surrounding the attack, ongoing combing operations, and efforts to trace and neutralize the attackers.
Shah also offered prayers for the souls of the deceased at the site and reiterated the Centre’s firm stance on terrorism. He assured that the perpetrators of the cowardly act would be brought to justice and vowed a ruthless crackdown on the terror network behind the bloodshed.
Meeting the Injured and Consoling the Bereaved
Before heading to Baisaran, the Home Minister visited the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag where many of the injured were being treated. He enquired about the quality of medical care and interacted with victims, some still in shock from the traumatic events. Later, Shah met with the families of those killed and injured. Several survivors and relatives broke down as they shared their grief and recounted the terrifying moments of the ambush. Shah listened empathetically, offering condolences and words of reassurance.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an ex-gratia compensation package for the victims: ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed, ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those who sustained minor injuries.
Tributes and National Mourning
Earlier in the day, Amit Shah, along with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, paid floral tributes to the deceased at the Srinagar police control room, where the bodies had been brought. Wreaths were laid on the coffins in a somber ceremony that underlined the gravity of the attack and the national grief it has evoked.
Return of Mortal Remains and Travel Support
Efforts are underway to transport the bodies of the victims back to their hometowns. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has deployed four additional flights from Srinagar—two to Mumbai and two to Delhi—to accommodate the relatives and facilitate the dignified return of the deceased. Airlines have also been directed to refrain from inflating fares during this sensitive time.
Valley in Protest
The Valley observed a near-total shutdown on Wednesday as a mark of protest and mourning. Shops, businesses, educational institutions, and public transport services remained shut. The shutdown was supported by traders, industrialists, political groups, and religious organizations, who condemned the attack and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Security and Strategic Implications
Shah’s visit comes ahead of a crucial Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs (CCS) meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, where he is expected to present the findings from his visit and discuss coordinated measures to address the security challenges in Kashmir. The attack has raised concerns about a possible resurgence of militancy in the region and has spotlighted the vulnerabilities of tourist spots previously considered safe.
Background: Rising Tensions in Kashmir
The Pahalgam attack is one of the deadliest in recent years targeting civilians in Kashmir. While militant activity in the Valley has seen periodic surges, the targeting of tourists marks a disturbing escalation aimed at crippling Kashmir’s vital tourism sector and spreading communal terror.
Security agencies have been on high alert since the incident, and additional troops have been deployed in sensitive zones. This attack is also being viewed in light of previous terror incidents in the Valley, including the 2017 Amarnath Yatra attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing.
The Centre has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and vowed that such heinous acts will not go unanswered.
