Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a strong and emotional statement on Wednesday following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 people. Most of the victims were tourists visiting the lush meadows of Baisaran, a scenic spot nestled in the hills near Pahalgam town. The Chief Minister called the attack an unforgivable act of cowardice and vowed that the nation would track down every perpetrator involved in the massacre.
Sarma expressed his grief and rage while addressing the media in Guwahati. He stressed that India would never bow to terror and would decisively respond to those who dare to strike at innocent civilians. The Chief Minister said that the lives lost in the attack had shaken the conscience of the nation, and that Bharat would stand united in its pursuit of justice.
The attack took place on Tuesday afternoon, when a group of tourists had hiked to Baisaran, an idyllic meadow only accessible by foot or pony. Without warning, gunfire erupted, leaving dozens injured and 26 dead at the scene. Witnesses described the sudden burst of violence and chaos as survivors scrambled for cover. Rescue teams, guided by locals and forest staff, rushed to the area and evacuated the wounded under heavy security.
Security forces and intelligence agencies quickly launched a coordinated search for the attackers. According to sources, The Resistance Front, a proxy outfit for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, has claimed responsibility. However, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs said they are still verifying the group’s involvement. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already reached the site to assist with forensic analysis and intelligence gathering.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned from Saudi Arabia earlier than scheduled, chaired a high-level meeting at Delhi airport with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The Prime Minister reiterated that those behind this heinous act would not be spared. He directed the agencies to speed up their investigation and take strict action.
Back in Assam, Sarma said that the attack was not just an assault on individuals but an attempt to strike at the heart of India’s unity and peace. He added that such acts would only strengthen the country’s resolve to eliminate terrorism. He emphasized that Bharat would not forgive the cowards who perpetrated such horror and would hunt them down relentlessly.
Political leaders across party lines expressed solidarity and condemned the attack in unison. Citizens held candlelight vigils in several parts of Assam, including Dispur, Jorhat, and Silchar, mourning the loss of lives and standing with the bereaved families. Civil society groups and student organizations also organized peaceful marches to express their outrage.
Families of the deceased have begun the painful process of identifying loved ones and preparing for last rites. Many of the victims came from Delhi, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced compensation for the families and promised full cooperation in the investigation. Local residents in Pahalgam also condemned the attack, saying it had deeply hurt the spirit of hospitality that the valley is known for.
Sarma also appealed to the youth of the country not to fall prey to radical ideologies and to remain vigilant against forces trying to destabilize the country. He assured that Assam stood firmly with Kashmir and the rest of the nation during this dark time. He also urged the central government to fast-track intelligence-sharing mechanisms across states to prevent such incidents in the future.
The chilling memories of the 2019 Pulwama attack resurfaced in the national consciousness, but the country now appeared more unified and determined than ever. As mourning continues, the demand for justice grows louder, and leaders across the board are promising swift and severe action against the masterminds.
The nation now waits to see how swiftly the wheels of justice will turn as the pain of loss weighs heavily on countless hearts.
