Srinagar, April 23, 2025 — In a rare emotional display, Union Home Minister Amit Shah fought back tears as he paid tribute to the 26 innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack, a massacre that has once again exposed the savage face of cross-border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.
Shah, who landed in Srinagar late Tuesday night, wasted no time in reaching the scene of carnage in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam early Wednesday morning. Accompanied by Jammu & Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and top security officials, the Home Minister conducted an on-ground assessment of the tragedy that has gripped the nation.
‘This Pain Cannot Be Put Into Words’: Amit Shah’s Emotional Tribute
At the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar, Shah led the solemn tribute ceremony. Draped in the national flag, the coffins of the slain victims were laid out, as the Home Minister offered floral tributes and stood in silence for several moments. His voice cracked as he addressed the media.
“With a heavy heart, I offer my last respects to those we lost in the cowardly attack at Pahalgam. Every Indian is grieving with these families. The loss is unbearable and the pain is beyond words,” he said.
Later, during a private meeting with families of the victims and survivors, Shah grew visibly emotional, holding the hands of grieving relatives, some of whom had traveled from across India to claim the bodies of their loved ones.
A Brutal Terror Strategy: Identity-Based Killing of Tourists
Tuesday’s massacre was chilling in its planning and ruthless in its execution. Militants disguised in Army uniforms approached a group of tourists at Baisaran Valley, first verifying their religious identity and then executing them at point-blank range.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers specifically targeted Hindu tourists after checking IDs and names. Among the deceased were two foreign nationals and two local residents, making it one of the most targeted communal terror attacks in recent history in the region.
The methodical approach and chilling sectarian nature of the attack has triggered fresh national outrage and calls for stronger intelligence measures.
‘Terrorists Will Not Be Spared’: Shah Issues Stern Warning
In his statement from Srinagar, Shah issued a direct warning to terror outfits and their handlers, both within and outside India’s borders.
“Let it be absolutely clear—those who orchestrated and executed this attack will face unforgiving justice. India will not tolerate the shedding of innocent blood. These terrorists, and those who support them from afar, will be hunted down and eliminated,” Shah said, reinforcing the government’s stance on zero tolerance to terrorism.
Emergency Security Meetings and Intelligence Crackdown
Soon after landing, Shah chaired a high-level emergency meeting with top officials from the Army, CRPF, Intelligence Bureau, and the J&K administration. The meeting, held behind closed doors, focused on:
Strengthening surveillance in South Kashmir
Revising counter-infiltration protocols
Identifying terror safehouses and sleeper cells
Increasing deployment in tourist-heavy zones
Security forces have already launched a massive combing operation in the valley, with reports suggesting that elite units of the Indian Army and NIA are being flown in for parallel investigations and targeted missions.
Public Reaction: Outpouring of Grief and Demands for Action
Across India, cities observed silent candle marches, and social media exploded with anger, grief, and demands for accountability. Hashtags like #PahalgamMassacre, #JusticeForVictims, and #IndiaWillNotForgive were trending within hours.
From film stars to spiritual leaders, voices across the spectrum called for swift military retaliation and international isolation of terror sponsors.
Global Condemnation of the Attack
Governments around the world condemned the violence. The United Nations, European Union, and South Asian neighbors extended their condolences and emphasized the need for cross-border cooperation against terrorism.
The Israeli Prime Minister released a statement calling the attack “a horrifying crime against humanity” and offered technological and intelligence assistance to India.
A Nation on Edge, A Government on Alert
The attack in Pahalgam is being seen not just as an isolated incident but part of a larger attempt to disrupt communal harmony and tourism resurgence in Kashmir.
Sources in the Defense Ministry suggest that “decisive covert action” is already under consideration, with hot pursuit permissions being discussed at the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) level.
Conclusion: A Test of National Resolve
This is not just an act of terror; it is a calculated attempt to fracture the spirit of a unified India. But the overwhelming response from the public, the firmness in the voice of Amit Shah, and the united political front indicate a nation unwilling to bend, break, or back down.
As Amit Shah rightly put it during his visit to the valley:
“India may grieve today, but it will rise tomorrow—with strength, unity, and vengeance.”
