Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Credit: PTI File Photo
Srinagar: Just hours after the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that left 28 dead, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday evening to assess the security situation in Kashmir.
The attack, which occurred in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, targeted a group of tourists, killing 28 civilians — mostly visitors — and injuring several others.
Shah’s arrival followed an urgent briefing by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who met the Home Minister at Srinagar’s airport. Sources confirmed that the two leaders discussed the current security challenges and outlined immediate measures to track down the attackers responsible for the massacre.
Following the briefing, Shah proceeded directly to the Raj Bhavan, where he is set to chair a high-level security review meeting. The meeting will be attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), ADGP CID, IGP CRPF, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, and other senior officials.
In addition to Home Minister Shah, the Northern Army Commander also landed in Kashmir on Tuesday night, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The Commander is expected to join the security review meeting to discuss counter-terrorism strategies and troop deployments in the wake of the attack.
On Wednesday, Home Minister Shah is scheduled to visit Pahalgam to assess the damage firsthand and meet with local officials and security forces. His visit comes at a critical time, with security forces intensifying efforts to locate the terrorists responsible for the attack, which comes just 10 weeks before the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The visit by the Union Home Minister and top military officials reflects the urgency with which the central government is addressing the situation, as Kashmir grapples with the aftermath of one of its most deadly terror attacks in recent years.