Pahalgam Horror: PM Modi Cuts Saudi Visit Short, Returns Early as Terror Attack Kills 26 Tourists
 In a swift diplomatic and security response to the deadliest terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister departed from Jeddah late Tuesday night and is expected to land in New Delhi early Wednesday morning&mdash;advancing his return by nearly 12 hours. He also skipped the official banquet hosted in his honor by the Saudi royal family in light of the tragedy.
The terror attack unfolded around 3 PM on Tuesday in the picturesque Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, often referred to as 'mini Switzerland'. Armed terrorists reportedly descended from the surrounding mountains and opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists. Twenty-six people, including two foreigners and two local civilians, were killed in the ambush. At least 20 others sustained injuries and are being treated at various hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew into Srinagar late Tuesday night and immediately held a high-level review meeting with top officials from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Army, CRPF, and intelligence agencies. Shah is expected to stay in the Valley to oversee the security response and coordination of relief efforts.
In a strongly worded statement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident, calling it "much larger than anything we&rsquo;ve seen directed at civilians in recent years."
The attack has drawn sharp political reactions across the spectrum. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference (NC), and other regional outfits have called for a statewide shutdown on Wednesday in mourning and protest against the massacre.
International condemnation also poured in. US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday evening to express condolences and assured full support to India in combating terrorism. &ldquo;The United States stands with India,&rdquo; Trump told Modi, according to official sources.
Security forces have launched an extensive search operation in and around Pahalgam to track down the attackers, who are believed to have escaped into nearby forested areas.
This tragic incident marks a chilling escalation in terror activities targeting civilians and has once again cast a spotlight on the fragile security environment in the Kashmir Valley.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah taking high level meeting in Srinagar

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April 23, 2025 | 05:53 IST