Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed several lives and left many injured, security forces have launched extensive search operations on Wednesday to track down the terrorists responsible for the assault. The attack has prompted heightened security measures, with authorities working around the clock to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Visuals from the Pahalgam area, usually a bustling tourist destination, show deserted streets as tourists and locals alike remain cautious. The tourist hotspot has seen a significant decline in footfall, with many visitors opting to cut their trips short and leave the region.
Sameer Bhardwaj, a tourist from Delhi, shared his decision to return to the national capital: “We have been in Kashmir for the last three days. We had plans for Pahalgam, but since the situation is not good here, we are leaving for Delhi. What happened here is very wrong. Such a thing has happened in Pahalgam for the first time,” he told ANI.
In the wake of the attack, various organizations have called for a Jammu bandh, with protests intensifying over the situation. Shekh Bashir Ahmad, a senior leader from the National Conference, condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to disrupt the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Ahmad emphasized that the region heavily depends on the tourist season for its economy, and such terror attacks are aimed at scaring away visitors.
“This is a conspiracy against Jammu and Kashmir, to delay the economy of the region. There is no religion of people like this, no religion says to kill people… People had gone there for holidays, but innocent people were attacked. The people of Jammu and Kashmir should understand this conspiracy,” Ahmad said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi from Saudi Arabia and held a briefing with key officials, including External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, to assess the situation and discuss further actions. The attack, which took place earlier on Tuesday in Anantnag district, targeted tourists in the area.
Security forces and police personnel were immediately deployed to the scene, and ambulances were rushed to assist the victims. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigation and manhunt for the terrorists responsible.
