Srinagar: In the aftermath of the devastating militant attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of more than 25 tourists and injured over a dozen others, prominent Kashmiri leaders have united in condemnation and called for a peaceful shutdown to mourn the victims.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Whoever kills an innocent soul…it is as if he had slain mankind entirely” (Al Quran). He emphasized that such acts are abhorred in Islam, a religion of peace and goodwill, and stand against all human ethics.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to observe a peaceful protest and shutdown, highlighting the need for unity and collective mourning in the face of such tragedy .
On April 22, 2025, a devastating militant attack unfolded in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. Around 2:30pm, gunmen emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on tourists enjoying the scenic spot, often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’.
The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 25 persons, including 24 Indian tourists from various states, two locals from Jammu and Kashmir, and two foreign nationals—one Emirati and one Nepali. Among the victims was Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer from Haryana, who had recently married on April 16 and was on his honeymoon.
Additionally, an Intelligence Bureau officer was killed in the assault. Over a dozen others sustained injuries, some critically.
The attack drew widespread condemnation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, cut his trip short and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. GoI Home Minister Amit Shah travelled to Srinagar to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
International leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.
