Pahalgam Terror Attack: Jammu & Kashmir On High Alert, Massive Manhunt Luanched – Top 10 Developments

New Delhi: In one of the deadliest attacks since the abrogation of Article 370, at least 28 people were gunned down in a brutal terror assault on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. The attack, which took place on Tuesday, April 22, in the Baisaran Valley, sent shockwaves across the country.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that six armed terrorists, disguised in Army uniforms, singled out victims based on their faith. According to a report by TOI, survivors also alleged that the attackers demanded people recite Islamic verses before opening fire at close range.

Here are the 10 latest developments in the case:

1. Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi on Wednesday, April 23, cutting short his official trip to Saudi Arabia in the wake of the tragedy.
He immediately chaired a high-level security meeting with top officials, underlining the gravity of the situation.

2. PM Modi’s Strong Condemnation

“Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones… All possible assistance is being provided,” PM Modi said in a tweet. He also asked Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the site and ensure strict action against those responsible.

3. Nirmala Sitharaman Prepones Return

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cut short her official visit to the US and Peru to return and participate in the Centre's response. She had been on a 10-day overseas tour and landed back early Wednesday morning.

4. Rahul Gandhi Speaks to Shah, Omar Abdullah

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he spoke with Amit Shah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to get updates on the situation. He emphasised that the victims’ families deserve “justice and our fullest support.”

5. Congress Call For Meeting

The Congress party accused the Centre of complacency, demanding an all-party meeting to reassess the UT’s security scenario. “The Centre must stop making hollow claims and take accountability,” party spokespersons said in a statement.

6. Massive Manhunt Launched

Security forces intensified their search operations across the region to track the six attackers. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army also confirmed that the manhunt continues with “all efforts focused on justice.”

7. J&K on High Alert

Authorities have now ramped up security in major towns and tourist hubs across the Union Territory. Checkpoints, patrols, and surveillance have been increased amid fears of further escalation.

8. Infiltration Bid Foiled in Baramulla

The Indian Army foiled a suspected infiltration attempt along the LoC in Baramulla's Uri sector on Tuesday, April 22. “Alert troops challenged the terrorists, triggering a gunfight,” said the Chinar Corps in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

9. Call for Kashmir Bandh Gains Support

JKNC, PDP, and civil society groups joined hands to support Wednesday’s bandh in protest. “This attack isn’t just on a few—it’s an attack on all of us,” PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti posted on X.

10. Tourists Flee Valley Amid Panic

Tourists are vacating hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, gripped by fear and uncertainty. However, landslides along the highway to Jammu have left many stranded, further complicating evacuations.