Prime Minister cuts short Saudi Arabia visit; high-level meeting held at Palam Airport to review security measures following deadly attack in Pahalgam
New Delhi, April 23:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an urgent security briefing at Delhi’s Palam Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, immediately after cutting short his official visit to Saudi Arabia in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Upon landing, PM Modi was briefed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other top officials regarding the situation and ongoing operations in the Anantnag district.
🔴 PM Modi’s Swift Return, Strong Message
The Prime Minister, who was on a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, skipped the official dinner and returned nearly 18 hours ahead of schedule after the news of the cowardly attack targeting tourists broke on Tuesday.
Earlier, PM Modi took to social media to express his grief and outrage:
“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. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable, and it will get even stronger.”
⚠️ National Response Intensifies
The attack in Pahalgam has sparked nationwide outrage and widespread condemnation. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cut short her foreign visit to the US and Peru, returning to India in response to the escalating situation.
Security forces, including the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police, have launched a massive search operation in the Baisran area of Anantnag to track down the perpetrators.
🕯️ Candlelight Marches Across J&K
In a strong display of unity against terror, candlelight marches were held across the region. Residents in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Kupwara, and Khod village (Akhnoor) poured onto the streets to express solidarity with the victims and condemn the act of violence.
Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu also staged protests demanding stringent action against those responsible.
🚨 Ongoing Investigation & Casualty Updates
While the exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed by the government, sources indicate that several tourists and locals were killed or injured in what is being described as one of the most significant terror attacks in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
As the nation mourns, the government has assured swift action and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Search operations are underway, and intelligence agencies are on high alert.