Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)A wave of condemnation swept across Jammu and Kashmir’s political spectrum on Monday after a brazen terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam left several people injured. Leaders cutting across ideologies denounced the assault, calling it not only a crime against innocent visitors but also a calculated attempt to destabilise Kashmir’s economy and defame its culture of hospitality.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a post on X, termed the attack “deeply disturbing” and “cowardly.” He wrote, “Such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir, which welcomes visitors with love and warmth. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of victims and the injured.”
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned the incident, calling it a rare but alarming breach of security. “Kashmir has always embraced tourists. This tragic attack is deeply concerning. A thorough probe is needed to fix responsibility and ensure such lapses never recur. The safety of our guests must be a top priority.”
Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari called the attack “an act of cowardice and the worst form of terrorism.” He expressed confidence that the culprits would be brought to justice soon and added, “Targeting innocent tourists is not just an act of violence, it’s a blow to the Valley’s fragile peace and economy.”
People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone issued one of the strongest statements, saying, “Kashmir has a long tradition of hospitality. These cowardly terrorists are trying to erase that legacy. Their aim is to economically disempower Kashmiris and crush the dreams of those rebuilding their lives through tourism. They are enemies of our children, our future.”
Senior BJP leader and party spokesperson Altaf Thakur echoed similar sentiments, calling the attack “an assault not just on tourists, but on the very backbone of Kashmir’s economy.” He said Pakistan-backed militants were targeting the Valley’s growing tourism sector to choke local livelihoods. “This was an attack on ponywalas, shikara walas, hoteliers, transporters and thousands of ordinary Kashmiris who earn their living through tourism. It’s economic terrorism,” he said.
The attack, which occurred at the popular Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, has prompted a massive security review ahead of the upcoming tourist season. Authorities have vowed swift action against those responsible.(DD)
