New Delhi

A devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, on April 22 has left 27 people dead and scores injured, triggering widespread condemnation from political leaders across the region. The victims, all tourists visiting the scenic valley of Baisaran in Pahalgam, were targeted in what has been described as one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory.

Leaders from various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have united in denouncing the assault, labelling it a cowardly and barbaric act aimed at tearing the social fabric of the region and disrupting peace in the valley.

Following the terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday, the political parties as well as traders' unions in the region have collectively called for a complete shutdown in the Kashmir valley on Wednesday to show solidarity with the victims' families and to condemn the attack.

Former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti led a peaceful procession in Srinagar, where her party workers carried placards condemning the attack. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced,” she said.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, the first mainstream politician to take to the streets of Lal Chowk in response to the brutality unleashed in Pahalgam, her presence marks a bold and unwavering stand against violence and injustice. pic.twitter.com/4WU7xNIm5k

— Mohit Bhan موہت بھان (@buttkout) April 23, 2025

Sajad Lone, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, voiced a similarly strong sentiment. “Condemn strongly the dastardly and cowardly attack in Pahalgam. For decades, we have been identified with being great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all,” he said in a statement.

Attack on tourist in Pahalgam is a cowardly attack, Peoples Confrence Chief and MLA Handwara Sajjad Ghani Lone@sajadlone pic.twitter.com/3CFrqKxABC

— Kashmir Post (@KashmirPostNews) April 22, 2025

Mayor of Srinagar and Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party leader, Junaid Azim Mattu, called for national unity in the face of terror. “As we pay tribute to innocent civilians who were gruesomely killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam, let us unite resolutely as a proud nation to fight the scourge of terror. Terrorists want a divided India. And they won’t get that! India stands united today!”

National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief and shock. “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased.”

I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025

Sakina Itoo, senior National Conference leader, also visited the victims’ families. “It was truly heart-wrenching to meet those who have lost their loved ones — the pain and grief in their eyes is beyond words. I strongly condemn this barbaric act of terror,” she said.

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement underscored the cultural and moral fabric of Kashmir in his response. “Strongly condemn the barbaric attack on tourists and locals in Baisaran, Pahalgam. Such acts of mindless violence are an affront to our shared humanity and stain the conscience of our society. Kashmir has always opened its arms to guests. Those who seek to poison this bond only betray the values we hold dear.”

Waheed Para, PDP youth leader, added: “Strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This senseless violence serves no purpose, defies all sense and humanity. Kashmir has suffered enough.”

Whosoever did this, did war on humanity, I strongly condemn this cowardly act: Waheed Para@parawahid @jkpdp @YouthJKPDP pic.twitter.com/NPHXJOyigU

— Morning Kashmir (@morningkashmirX) April 23, 2025

Mir Mohammad Fayaz, a senior leader from the People’s Conference, also expressed sorrow and outrage. “Kashmir is a land of warmth & hospitality, not hatred & bloodshed. This heinous assault on innocent tourists is beyond unacceptable. My heartfelt condolences and sympathies go out to the victims’ families.”

Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti and a vocal political figure in her own right, echoed similar views. “Strongly condemn the shameful act of violence that’s claimed the lives of five & left many injured in Baisaran Pahalgam today. Kashmiris have always welcomed tourists with open arms & this incident is most unfortunate.”

#WATCH | Terrorists attack tourists in Pahalgam | Srinagar, J&K | PDP leader Iltija Mufti says, "I am short of words for what has happened. My head hangs in shame today; such acts have no place in society. Terrorist attack in a tourist hub like Baisaran, where security forces are… pic.twitter.com/SQphgWgvIX

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025

As Kashmir reels from the shock of this tragedy, the solidarity displayed by its political leadership sends a strong message that terrorism has no place in the Valley and that efforts to divide the people will not succeed.

#WATCH | J&K | Locals in Tangmarg stage a protest condemning the #PahalgamTerroristAttack on tourists. pic.twitter.com/ZEQPfbkyrN

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

READ MORE: Indian Muslims denounce brutal Pahalgam attack

The people of Kashmir, known for their tradition of welcoming guests with open arms, now mourn alongside the nation, even as they vow not to let fear and hatred define their land.