26 Killed including Shivamoga man in terror attack in J&K’s Pahalgam

26 Killed including Shivamoga man in terror attack in J&K’s Pahalgam

mangaloretoday.com

J&K- Pahalgam, April 22, 2025: Twenty-six tourists including a man from Shivamoga, Manjunath were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir today. Speeking to media,  Pallavi, the wife of Manjunath, who was killed in the attack. She said, "We went to Kashmir on April 19 on a tour.I am still in shock and I am unable to overcome it."

Military choppers have been pressed into service for the evacuation of those injured in the attack. In a telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Union Minister Amit Shah to visit the attack site and take all suitable measures. Mr Shah will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies.

Gunshots were heard in the upper meadows of Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, an area that is approachable only on foot or on horseback. The terrorists were apparently in camouflage and it is believed to be a targeted attack.

Soon after the attack, Amit Shah called a meeting at his home in Delhi, which was attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, the sources said. CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhatand some Army officials also joined the meeting through video conferencing. Mr Shah also spoke to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, they added.

An anti-terror operation has been launched to neutralise terrorists, informed Mr Sinha, asserting the "perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act".

Pahalgam, known for its forests, crystal-clear lakes and sprawling meadows, is a popular tourist spot and draws thousands of visitors every summer.

Among those killed was a realtor from Shivamogga district in Karnataka who was allegedly shot dead in front of his wife and son. As news broke about the man’s death, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting with senior officials to gather information.

PM Modi, strongly condemning the attack, said the government’s "resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger".