Amit Shah to visit Srinagar after Pahalgam terror attack, says perpetrators 'will not be spared'

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday shared that he will soon travel to Srinagar to hold a high-level security review meeting in the wake of the deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which struck the scenic town in Anantnag district, has left multiple civilians dead and over 20 injured.

“Briefed PM Shri @narendramodi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies,” Shah said, adding that he will now personally oversee the situation on the ground.

The Home Minister strongly condemned the attack, assuring swift and firm action.  

“Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah stated.

The incident occurred at around 3 pm when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran Valley and started firing at the tourists.

A purported video of the attack site emerged, showing several people bleeding and lying motionless on the ground while women tourists were wailing and frantically looking for their near and dear ones. No independent official verification was available.

The incident comes when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years. Also, the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3.

Authorities pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured persons, the officials said adding some of the injured were brought down from the meadows by local people on their ponies. 

[with PTI inputs]