Just two hours after the dastardly terror attack that killed 26 Indian and foreign tourists, mosques across Kashmir made a historic declaration on loudspeakers used for prayers – the attack was a conspiracy to disrupt peace and unity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Religious leaders from the region showed solidarity with the victims as well as other tourists in the Valley, demanding decisive government action against the terrorists and emphasising that the perpetrators of such cowardly acts should face justice, according to News18. 

On Tuesday afternoon, terrorists launched an attack at a renowned meadow near Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of several tourists. The attack was the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama attack in 2019 where 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Denouncing Tuesday’s attack, mosques across Kashmir labelled it a violation of both Islam and humanity. In Baramulla and Srinagar, locals protested by lighting candles and holding candle marches on Tuesday evening. The once-bustling Lal Chowk in Srinagar appeared desolate.

In Jammu, several areas observed a complete shutdown to protest the terror attack in Pahalgam. Besides Jammu city, shutdown was observed in Reasi, Udhampur, Katra, Kathua, and Samba.

Protests were held in several parts of Jammu city, with many protesters raising anti-Pakistan slogans.

The killings in Pahalgam have sent shockwaves across the country, drawing condemnation from political parties, human rights groups, and citizens alike. Many termed the attack a heinous assault on the spirit of Kashmiriyat and the region’s age-old tradition of hospitality.

The Jammu and Kashmir government, meanwhile, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of each of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Making the announcement, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a post on X: “Deeply shocked and anguished by the despicable terrorist attack in Pahalgam yesterday. This barbaric and senseless act of brutality against innocent civilians has no place in our society. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. We mourn the precious lives lost."

The chief minister also announced Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.

PM Modi Chairs Airport Meet

In Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the airport upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation. The PM was briefed by the officials immediately upon his return.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who reached Srinagar on Tuesday night, assured the survivors of the attack that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be brought to justice.

An NIA team headed by an inspector general is on way to Pahalgam to provide assistance to the local police probing Tuesday’s dastardly terrorist attack, sources said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cut short her official visit to the US in view of the attack. Sitharaman is part of the five-member Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Modi.