Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Amit Shah Vows Justice as Toll Rises to 26; TRF Claims Responsibility

In a deeply unsettling turn of events, the scenic town of Pahalgam in South Kashmir witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years, leaving at least 26 people dead and many others injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing grief over the loss of lives, took to X (formerly Twitter) to send a strong message against terrorism.

“Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly act will not be spared,” he wrote.
Shah also shared that he had met the survivors and paid his respects to the victims with a “heavy heart,” assuring the nation that those behind the violence would face justice.

TRF Claims Responsibility

Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), operating with strong ties to Pakistan. The attack occurred in Baisaran, a remote, picturesque meadow near Pahalgam, where gunmen opened fire on a tourist group.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously declared TRF a terrorist organization in January 2023, citing its role in spreading propaganda, recruiting militants, and smuggling arms and drugs across the border from Pakistan. The group rose to prominence following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and initially operated under a digital cover.

Region on High Alert, Protests Erupt

The attack has sparked a wave of anger and fear across Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu region is currently on high alert, with security forces deployed in sensitive areas. In Doda, locals took to the streets late Tuesday night, burning effigies in protest. Meanwhile, the Sanatan Dharam Sabha’s Kishtwar unit has called for a complete shutdown (bandh) on Wednesday in response to the violence.

In a powerful display of unity, Muslim residents of Gujjar Nagar in Jammu city joined protests, vocally condemning Pakistan and standing in solidarity with the victims.

Government Relief Measures Announced

In response to the tragedy, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced compensation for the victims and their families:

• ₹10 lakh ex gratia for the family of each deceased

• ₹2 lakh for those seriously injured

• ₹1 lakh for other injured individuals

PM Modi to Chair High-Level Security Meeting

As the country grapples with the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to convene a crucial Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in New Delhi. The top agenda: formulating India’s response and strategy moving forward in the wake of this brutal assault on civilians.

A Nation Mourns, But Resolves to Stand Firm

The Pahalgam terror attack has not only claimed innocent lives but also shaken the sense of growing normalcy in Kashmir. However, the unified voices — from the government, citizens, and communities — reflect a collective refusal to be intimidated. The message from Delhi is clear: India will not back down.