News TeamApril 23, 2025 Pahalgam Terror Attack: PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit, Returns to Delhi for Emergency Response New Delhi, April 23, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi early Wednesday morning, cutting short his two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, in response to a devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed at least 26 lives, mostly tourists. The attack, described as the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, prompted an immediate return to India, where PM Modi convened an emergency meeting at the airport to address the escalating crisis. The terror attack unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in Baisaran Valley, a picturesque meadow near Pahalgam, often referred to as "mini-Switzerland" for its scenic beauty. Terrorists, reportedly affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), opened fire on tourists visiting the area, killing 26 people, including two foreigners and two locals, and injuring at least 20 others. The remote location, accessible only by foot or horseback, complicated rescue efforts, with security forces deploying helicopters and locals using ponies to evacuate the injured. PM Modi, who was in Jeddah for bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, skipped an official dinner hosted by Saudi Arabia and departed for India on Tuesday night, a day earlier than scheduled. Upon landing in Delhi, he held a briefing with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to assess the situation and coordinate the government's response. The Prime Minister is expected to chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) later today to discuss further action. As soon as Modiji arrived on the land of India, he has directly started conducting high level meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah and other ministers. He is also getting in touch with top army officials. Tight security outside Government Medical College in Anantnag ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to meet people who got injured in the Pahalgam terror attack. He may call for an urgent cabinet meeting. While opposition has also raised the hand of friendship in these difficult times. In a statement posted on X, PM Modi strongly condemned the attack, vowing that the perpetrators would face justice. "I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger," he wrote. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during his meeting with PM Modi, denounced the attack and offered condolences, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's commitment to combating terrorism alongside India. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and others also expressed solidarity, with Trump stating on Truth Social, "The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support." Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who rushed to Srinagar on Tuesday night, held a security review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior officials, including the Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat. Shah, briefed by PM Modi earlier in the day, is expected to visit the attack site in Pahalgam today. The attack has sent shockwaves across India, with political leaders and citizens calling for decisive action. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who spoke with Shah, Abdullah, and J&K Congress chief Tariq Karra, described the attack as "horrific" and urged justice for the victims' families. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, noting that Kannadigas were among the victims, dispatched teams to assist affected families. Preliminary intelligence suggests the attackers may have infiltrated from the Kishtwar region, navigating mountainous terrain to reach Baisaran. Security agencies suspect the strike was meticulously planned, with Saifullah Kasuri, a deputy chief of LeT, allegedly masterminding the operation. An anti-terror operation is underway to apprehend the perpetrators. The attack has also prompted heightened security measures nationwide. Mumbai Police are on high alert, conducting security checks, while Air India announced additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai to facilitate travel. Educational institutions in Kashmir will remain closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect for the victims. As India mourns the loss of lives in this brutal attack, the government's swift response underscores its commitment to combating terrorism. PM Modi's return and immediate action signal a resolute stance against such acts of violence, with the nation awaiting further developments in the ongoing investigation and security operations.
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