NEW DELHI: In the wake of terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where over 20 are feared dead and several injured, the authorities have launched a 24/7 emergency helpline for tourists.
Additionally, Union home minister Amit Shah along with CM Omar Abdullah are on their way to the attack site to assess the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and instructed Amit Shah to take all essential steps in response to the situation. Shah confirmed that he had updated the PM Modi and would be traveling to Srinagar to chair a high-level meeting on security.
Follow live updates on Pahalgam terror attack
CM Omar Abdullah promptly reacted to the incident terming the attackers as “animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt.” “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately,” he said.
What we know so far:
Anti-terror ops under way, helpline no launched for tourists
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed that security forces have launched intensified anti-terror operations in response to the deadly attack on tourists.
Vowing swift and decisive action, Sinha assured that those responsible for the heinous act will face severe consequences. “Anti-terror ops launched to neutralise terrorists. The entire nation is angry & the blood of our forces is boiling. I want to assure the nation that perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he said.
“24/7 Emergency Help Desk for Tourists –Police Control Room Anantnag- A dedicated help desk has been established at the Police Control Room Anantnag to assist tourists requiring assistance or information. Contact Details: 9596777669; 01932225870; Whatsapp: 9419051940,” Anantnag Police informed.
“Emergency Control Room – Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651 Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar – 7006058623. Helpline for the assistance on Pahalgam terror incident,” said information & PR department, UT of J&K.
‘Those behind heinous act won’t be spared’: PM Modi takes stock of situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on his Saudi Arabia visit, assured justice in the deadly terror attack and asked Amit Shah visit the site.
“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 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,” he said.
Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu condemned the attack and expressed condolence for those who lost their lives. “The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured,” she said.
‘Hollow claims of situation being normal’: Opposition demands accountability
Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi demanded accountability saying that the government questioning its “hollow claims of situation being normal”. “I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The whole country is united against terrorism. Instead of making hollow claims of the situation being normal in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should now take accountability and take concrete steps so that such barbaric incidents do not happen in the future and innocent Indians do not lose their lives like this,” he said.
“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 have been lost. On behalf of the Congress party, my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured. India’s National Security is paramount and we urge the GOI to take corrective measures to ensure the same,” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said.
