Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday morning to assess the situation following the deadly terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people. Ten others were injured in the attack, which targeted tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow in South Kashmir. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced ex gratia payments of Rs 10 lakh for each deceased’s family, while Rs 2 lakh will be given to those critically injured and Rs 1 lakh to others who were wounded.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This group emerged after the abrogation of Article 370 and the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. TRF has since been active in targeting civilians and security forces in the region.
As the situation unfolded, protests broke out across Jammu. In Doda town, people held demonstrations, burning effigies in response to the attack, while Kishtwar witnessed a bandh call by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha. In Gujjar Nagar, Jammu, members of the Muslim community also protested, raising slogans against Pakistan in solidarity with the victims.
Amidst these developments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi from Saudi Arabia early on Wednesday morning, cutting short his trip. The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss India’s response and defense strategy. On his arrival, Modi also held a crucial meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
The attack on tourists, including two foreigners, has shocked the nation, and security forces have increased patrols in the region. The government has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence.
