Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced today that the Assam government will provide an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of all 26 people killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The decision came just days after the horrific incident that rocked the nation and left the entire region mourning. The attack, which took place in a tourist-heavy zone in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, targeted innocent civilians, many of whom were from Assam.
CM Sarma, addressing the media in Guwahati, said the state government stands in complete solidarity with the victims’ families. He emphasized that the loss is not only personal but also deeply collective. He called the attack a cowardly act of terror and vowed that the government would not allow such tragedies to go unanswered. The Chief Minister also confirmed that Assam is coordinating with Jammu and Kashmir officials to ensure the safe return of all affected individuals and that psychological and logistical support would be extended to the grieving families.
The government has already dispatched a special team to assist with documentation and claims for the ex gratia. Local district authorities have been directed to identify and verify the families eligible for compensation without delay. Sarma reiterated that while money can never replace a loved one, this gesture reflects the state’s commitment to stand by its people during their darkest hours. He also mentioned that additional financial aid or job support for dependents of the deceased would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Several families from Barak Valley, particularly from districts like Silchar and Karimganj, were among those affected. Survivors have returned with harrowing accounts of the incident. One of the survivors, a professor from Assam University, described hearing bursts of gunfire and watching fellow tourists fall as militants opened fire indiscriminately. He and his wife took shelter behind trees and rocks until help arrived. The couple is now recovering in Guwahati and has praised the swift response by the Assam government in ensuring their safe return.
The incident has triggered emotional outpourings across the state. Candlelight vigils have been held in many towns and cities, with people expressing grief, anger, and calls for justice. Various student unions and civil society groups have demanded stricter security measures for tourists visiting sensitive regions, and called for diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, given the alleged involvement of a Pakistan-based terror group.
Political leaders across party lines have supported the ex gratia announcement but have also urged the government to work toward a more comprehensive national strategy to prevent such attacks. Opposition leaders have stressed the need for better intelligence sharing between states and a more robust national counter-terror framework.
Meanwhile, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir remain on high alert. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe and is examining the role of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s shadow group, The Resistance Front, which has reportedly claimed responsibility. Early reports indicate the attackers used the forest cover of Baisaran meadow to ambush tourists, catching local guides and security forces off-guard.
CM Sarma has appealed to the public not to let hatred win and to remain united against forces that aim to disrupt peace and national unity. He added that the state would continue to extend all help necessary, not only to the survivors and families of the deceased but also in bolstering national efforts to fight terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack has left a lasting scar on the collective conscience of the nation. As Assam mourns its people, the state stands firm in its resolve to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Through financial aid, emotional support, and strong political will, the government aims to turn grief into strength and reaffirm its commitment to peace and security.
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