Modi to return to India after cutting short Saudi visit, death toll in Pahalgam rises to 26, one Malayali among deceased

PAHALGAM: The death toll in the terrorist attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has risen to 26. Among the deceased is a Malayali- Ramachandran (65) from Edappally, who was shot in front of his daughter. Reports indicate that two of the deceased are foreign nationals. Ramachandran and his family had arrived in Pahalgam this morning. Several people were injured in the attack, and those wounded have been admitted to the district hospital in Anantnag.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached Srinagar. The victims include people from Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Prime Minister cuts short Saudi Arabia visit

• In the wake of the terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and will return to India.
• The Prime Minister is expected to arrive back in India early Wednesday morning.
• The official death toll has risen to 26, with 22 of the deceased identified so far.
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• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Srinagar. He will visit the site of the terrorist attack on Wednesday.
• A high-level meeting is underway in Srinagar, led by Amit Shah. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha are also attending the meeting.
• The army has reported that the attack was carried out by a group of seven terrorists.
• It is confirmed that two foreigners and two local residents were among the dead.
• According to local media, one of the foreign nationals killed was a citizen of Nepal.
• Security has been tightened across Jammu and Kashmir, with strict vehicle checks and enhanced surveillance by security forces.
• The terrorist organisation 'The Resistance Front' has claimed responsibility for the attack.
• The Resistance Front is linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that the culprits will not be spared.

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