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At least two terrorists were killed after security forces stopped an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the Army said on Wednesday.

“On 23 Apr 2025, approximately 2-3 UI terrorists tried to infiltrate through the general area Sarjeevan at Uri Nala, Baramulla (in north Kashmir),” the Chinar Corps posted on X around 8 am.

The “alert troops challenged and intercepted” the infiltrators, resulting in a firefight, it said.

An hour later, it said that two terrorists had been “eliminated”.

“A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores have been recovered from the terrorists,” the Chinar Corps said.

The operation is in progress, it added.

Update: OP TIKKA, Baramulla

Heavy exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists, two terrorists have been eliminated, infiltration bid foiled by the security forces in the ongoing Operation. Large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores have been…

— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) April 23, 2025

The encounter broke out hours after twenty-six people were killed and several others injured as terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, in the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times. An officer from the Navy and another from the Intelligence Bureau were also among the victims.

Military choppers were pressed into service for the evacuation of those injured in the attack, as the area is only accessible on foot or horseback.

Those Behind Pahalgam Attack “Will Not Be Spared”: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and vowed to bring the terrorists – who opened fire on tourists at the Baisaran Valley – to justice.

“Those behind this heinous act will not be spared… their evil agenda will never succeed,” he posted on X Tuesday evening.

“Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable and it will get even stronger,” he added.

I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.

Those behind this heinous act will be brought…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025

He also cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia and returned on Wednesday morning. Upon his return, he held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Delhi airport and took stock of the situation following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was also part of the meeting.

NEW DELHI: The terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pak-occupied-Kashmir “remains fully intact”, with the main training camps in the hinterland and “launch pads” along the Line of Control (LoC) still very much in place, senior Army officers said on Tuesday after the deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam.
The massacre comes soon after Pak Army chief General Asim Munir last week claimed Kashmir was Islamabad’s “jugular vein”, while invoking the two-nation theory. “Our stance is absolutely clear — it (Kashmir) was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their struggle,” he said. India had, of course, rubbished the comments.
The Army HQ in Delhi, especially military operations directorate, was assessing the latest situation till late on Tuesday. “Pak-trained terrorists are using other routes to sneak into J&K since strong counter-infiltration grid along the 778-km LoC has made it tough for militants there. Ten infiltration bids were foiled along LoC last year, in which 25 terrorists were killed,” a senior officer told TOI.
Though there is no major Army deployment in Pahalgam area, a unit of its specialised counter-insurgency force Rashtriya Rifles in the region dispatched a few columns as soon as news of the massacre came in the afternoon.
Officers said the “low-cost, high-impact” strike was probably carried out to coincide with US Veep J D Vance’s trip in India as well as PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the most prominent Islamic country around the globe, to garner global attention.
With 144 terrorists being killed in J&K in last two years, terror outfits were looking for a big strike to mark their presence. “The terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, with the so-called strategic assets like LeT, JeM, UJC and Al Badr, jihadi seminaries and madrassa networks, remains fully in place,” he added.
“As was evident from Gen Munir’s recent rant against India, Pakistan was not happy with improving situation in J&K, with 2.9 million tourists visiting it last year surpassing previous records,” he said.

US President Donald Trump strongly condemned the terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam in a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the “heinous attack”.

“President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring…

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 22, 2025

Trump “strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror,” Mr Jaiswal said.

Terrorists opened fire at a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly holidayers from other states, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

PM Modi, who was on a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his visit and decided to return to New Delhi on Tuesday night, as the terror attack sent shockwaves in the country and drew widespread condemnation and outrage. He was originally scheduled to return to India on Wednesday night.

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Trump had been briefed about the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir by the National Security Advisor, and he’s being kept up to speed as more facts are learned.  “What we know already is dozens were killed and even more were injured in a brutal terrorist attack in a popular tourist location in South Kashmir,” she said.

Leavitt had said that Trump would speak with Prime Minister Modi “as soon as he possibly can to express his heartfelt condolences for those lost.” “Our prayers are with those injured, and our nation’s support for our ally, India. These types of horrific events by terrorists are why those of us who work for peace and stability in the world, continue our mission,” she said.

Earlier in a post on Truth Social, Trump condoled the terror attacks in Kashmir, saying the US stands strong with India against terrorism.

“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!” Trump said in the post on Truth Social.  US Vice President J D Vance, who is in India with his wife Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, also extended condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.” National Security Advisor Mike Waltz termed the terror attacks as “a terrible tragedy”. “Please join me in praying for the victims and their families,” he said.

State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a post on X that the “United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Nothing can justify such a heinous act killing tourists and civilians. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. We continue to monitor the situation and call for perpetrators to be held accountable.”  Secretary of State Marco Rubio, quoting the State Department’s post on X said “The United States stands with India.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Leaders from around the world sent their tributes and condolences after a dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the deaths of dozens of tourists and an intelligence officer. Twenty-six people died and several others were injured when terrorists opened fire on them in the tourist town of Pahalgam.

Multiple rounds of gunshots were heard in Baisaran Valley when a group of terrorists emerged from the woods and fired indiscriminately at the people assembled there – most of whom were tourists. They then disappeared into the woods.

Some reports suggest that Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front, which is an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the terror attack.

Reactions poured in from global leaders, who extended their solidarity and support to India in this tragic moment.

UNITED STATES – Calling the incident “deeply disturbing”, US President Donald Trump wrote, “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!”

RUSSIA – Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the terror attack, saying, “This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organisers and perpetrators will face a deserved punishment.” A statement from his office further stated that “I would like to reiterate our commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured.”

UNITED STATES – The US Vice President, JD Vance, who is currently in India with his family on an official-cum-personal visit, also expressed his shock over the attack. “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”

SAUDI ARABIA – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time of the terror attack has cut short his official visit and is returning to New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman also expressed his anguish over the terror attack in Kashmir, saying Saudi Arabia stands with India and shall extend any support that is needed in this time of grief.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, who then immediately left for Kashmir to meet the intelligence and security agencies to get an update on the terror attack. An investigation is also being carried out by security agencies. Writing on X, PM Modi said, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.”

He added that “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

ITALY – “Saddened” over the tragic news, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also sent her condolences. “Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack that occurred today in India, which resulted in numerous victims. Italy sends its condolences to the families affected, the injured, the government and all the Indian people,” she wrote in Italian on her social media handle on X.

ISRAEL – Israel was one of the first countries to condemn the terror attack in Kashmir. “Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror,” Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted on X.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – The United Arab Emirates also issued a statement in which it strongly condemned the incident, saying “The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries of innocent people. UAE expresses its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims of this heinous attack, as well as its wishes of a speedy recovery for all the injured.”

IRAN – The Government of Iran also sent its tributes and condolences, saying, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, especially to the families of the victims of this attack, and wish a speedy recovery and good health to the injured.”

SRI LANKA – In its condemnation of the terror attack in Kashmir, the Government of Sri Lanka said it “strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” adding that “Sri Lanka stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to regional peace and security.”

Tuesday’s attack has been the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will cut short his Saudi Arabia trip and leave for India tonight, say government sources, after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, which authorities say is the worst attack on civilians in years.

He was originally scheduled to return to India on Wednesday night.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Doval visited the Royal Palace earlier to brief the Saudi leadership on the sudden change in plans, sources said.

The Prime Minister, said sources, is expected to chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in Delhi on Wednesday to address the escalating situation in Kashmir. 

The killings come a day after PM Modi met with US Vice President JD Vance, who is on a four-day tour of India with his wife Usha and children.

Terrorists opened fire at a famed meadow near Kashmir’s Pahalgam town, dubbed “mini Switzerland” and about 90 km from key city of Srinagar, and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or picnicking, officials and witnesses said.

With the area accessible only by foot or horses, choppers were deployed to evacuate the injured. The families of those killed and injured were taken to the government-owned Pahalgam Club under tight security.

Earlier in the day, as news of the attack spread, the Prime Minister dialled Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to visit the Union Territory. 

Amit Shah landed in Srinagar a little after 9 pm and drove straight to the Raj Bhavan from the airport.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat briefed the home minister upon his arrival. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka were present at the time of the briefing. 

In the afternoon, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that “the attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years”.

“This attack on our visitors is an abomination,” he said in a statement. “The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt.”

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi lamented the “cowardly” terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, and demanded the centre take accountability instead of making “hollow claims” about restoring normalcy by ridding the former state of terrorism.

Mr Gandhi said reports of the attack on tourists were extremely heartbreaking.

“… instead of making hollow claims on the situation being normal in J&K, the government should now take accountability and take concrete steps, so such barbaric incidents do not happen in the future, and innocent Indians do not lose their lives like this,” he said.

जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम में हुए कायराना आतंकी हमले में पर्यटकों के मारे जाने और कई लोगों के घायल होने की ख़बर बेहद निंदनीय और दिल दहलाने वाली है।

मैं शोकाकुल परिवारों के प्रति गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं और घायलों के जल्द स्वस्थ होने की आशा करता हूं।

आतंक के खिलाफ पूरा देश…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 22, 2025

Mr Gandhi’s party boss, Mallikarjun Kharge, and his sister and senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have also responded, calling the attack a “blot on humanity” and urging the ruling BJP to take decisive action against the terrorists.

I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The entire nation is united in fighting the scourge of cross-border terrorism.

These dastardly targeted attacks are a blot on humanity. News reports indicate that precious lives…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 22, 2025

And, in her post, Ms Gandhi Vadra called the practice of targeting civilians is “a crime against humanity (and) is completely unacceptable”. The whole country stands united against terrorism and strongly condemns it,” she wrote in Hindi.

जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम में पर्यटकों पर कायराना आतंकी हमला अत्यंत निंदनीय एवं शर्मनाक कृत्य है। निहत्थे-निर्दोष आम नागरिकों को निशाना बनाना मानवता के खिलाफ अपराध है। यह पूरी तरह अस्वीकार्य है। पूरा देश आतंकवाद के खिलाफ एकजुट है और कड़े स्वर में इसकी निंदा करता है।

खबरों के…

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 22, 2025

The Congress has demanded action from the BJP, which had earlier said it would wipe out terrorism in J&K. Last month Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Parliament last month, had spoken about how the Narendra Modi government had brought peace to the Kashmir Valley.

READ | “Zero Tolerance’ Policy”: Amit Shah Praises Efforts To Tackle J&K Terror

Mr Shah said that after the administration scrapped Article 370 (which gave J&K special status), peace had been restored and deaths due to terror-related incidents dropped 70 per cent.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee also condemned the terror attack, saying the “act of violence is utterly reprehensible”.

“I am deeply anguished by the brutal terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” she said on X. “This act of violence is utterly reprehensible and must not go unpunished.” 

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has demanded the centre “ensure a secure environment in J&K” and make this “the highest level of priority”. “… only then can the lives of local residents and tourists remain safe. Security fosters trust and the spirit of unity and integrity,” he said.

Terror In ‘Mini Switzerland’

Emotions have run high after the attack – of which videos emerged showing women, with blood splattered across their face, pleading after their husbands were shot dead in front of them.

The disturbing visuals include a video of a woman standing next to a badly injured man, crying, “Please save my husband. For god’s sake, save him.” Elsewhere other appeals are heard.

READ | Heartbreaking Video Shows Woman’s Plea For Help After J&K Attack

The attack – the first big terror incident in J&K this year, and potentially the worst since 40 soldiers were slaughtered in Pulwama district in February 2019 – took place in what was, in the seconds before deadly gunfire rang out, a beautiful green valley bathed in a warm summer sun.

At 3 pm all that changed. Terrorists reportedly swarmed down the hills and began firing.

‘Evil Will Never Succeed’: PM

In strongly worded statements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have condemned the attacks. Mr Modi, who is on a State visit to Saudi Arabia, spoke to Mr Shah and directed him to personally visit the attack site.

READ | PM Condemns J&K Terror Attack, Says “Evil Will Never Succeed”

“Those behind this heinous act will not be spared… their evil agenda will never succeed,” the PM said on X. “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable and it will get even stronger.”

J&K Chief Minister Abdullah – who led his National Conference to a big win in last year’s election, the first Assembly poll following the centre’s scrapping of special status (i.e., as under Article 370) in 2019 – was more forceful, calling it “an abomination”.

READ | “Larger Than Anything…”: Omar Abdullah On J&K Terror Attack

“The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman, and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased,” he said.

Renewal Of Attacks On Civilians?

Today’s horrific attack has been flagged as a possible return to the spate of civilian killings that rocked J&K last year. One of the deadliest of those attacks was in October, when six construction workers and a doctor were killed after terrorists opened fire at a labour camp in Ganderbal district.

READ | 6 Workers, Doctor Killed In ‘Dastardly’ Terror Attack In J&K’s Ganderbal

The week before, the body of a labourer from Bihar was found in Shopian district.

The attacks prompted the rolling out a new security matrix to counter the targeting of civilians. The new grid, the government had said, will ensure a ‘surprise’ element essential for any counter-terror op.

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