Dastardly, horrifying: Celebrities on terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam

Mumbai: Celebrities including Akshay Kumar and Kamal Haasan on Tuesday condemned the terrorist attack on tourists near Kashmir's Pahalgam town.

Terrorists opened fire at a famed meadow near Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

"Horrified to know of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sheer evil to kill innocent people like this. Prayers for their families," Kumar wrote on X.

Haasan condemned the "heinous terror attack" and wrote on X, "My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and I wish strength and recovery to the injured. India stands united - in grief, in resolve, and in our commitment to uphold law, order, and national security.”

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani said he is heartbroken by the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, and urged people to stand united against hatred and terror.

“The loss of innocent lives of civilians and tourists is beyond devastating. Violence like this has no place in any society. Praying for the families who’ve lost loved ones and for all those affected. Let’s stand united against hatred and terror. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected," he wrote.

Actor Sanjay Dutt said the attack on the tourists cannot be "forgiven".

"They killed our people in cold blood. This can’t be forgiven, these terrorists need to know we are not staying quiet. We need to retaliate, I request our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, Home Minister @AmitShah ji and Defence Minister @rajnathsingh ji to give them what they deserve," he wrote on X.

Actor Sonu Sood also condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam.

"Terrorism should not have any place in a civilized world and this dastardly act is unacceptable. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their dear ones and prayers for early recovery of those who are injured," he wrote.

More film personalities, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Nani, and Sunny Deol, strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and called for swift action against those responsible.

In an Instagram Story, Kareena wrote: "Beyond heartbroken for the victims and their families. Praying for the lives lost. #Pahalgam."

Hope the culprits behind "this heinous act" are brought to justice, said Kaushal.

"Can’t imagine the pain of the family members of those who lost their loved ones in the absolute inhumane act of terrorism in Pahalgam. My deepest condolences and prayers," he added.

On Wednesday, Kashmir valley observed a shutdown against a terror attack for the first time in 35 years as organisations from all walks of life supported the bandh call to protest the killings in Pahalgam tourist resort, officials said.

Nani, who shot for his Telugu film "Hit: The Third Case" in Pahalgam three months ago, said he was speechless.

"Over 200 people team for almost 20 days. Pahalgam Was like a dream. The place, the people and the warmth... Why?" he wrote in an X post.

In an X post, "Pushpa 2" star Allu Arjun said he was heartbroken.

"Such a beautiful place with kind hearted people . Condolences to all the families, near and dear of the victims. May their innocent souls rest in peace. Truly Heart breaking (sic)" he wrote.

Actor Suniel Shetty wrote on X that it was an attack on "the soul of Kashmir and its centuries-old legacy of hospitality".

"Prayers for the injured. Let us stand united in condemning such brutality and demand swift justice. The perpetrators must face the full force of the law," Shetty wrote on X.

Actor Sunny Deol said it was high time that ending terrorism became a priority.

"... its victims are only innocent people, humans need to look within themselves. I stand with the affected families in this hour of grief. #PahalgamTerroristAttack," he wrote in Hindi.

"My heart goes out to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. It is devastating to witness such cruelty. No cause can ever justify the taking of innocent lives. To the grieving families, your sorrow is beyond words. Please know that you are not alone. The entire nation stands with you in mourning. Let us hold on to each other a little tighter and never let go of the hope that peace will prevail even in the face of darkness," Malayalam superstar Mohanlal said in an X post.

Actor-filmmaker Ajay Devgn said he was shocked to hear about the terrorist attack.

"The victims and their families were innocent souls, and what happened is heartbreaking and purely evil. My thoughts and prayers are with them," he wrote on X.

TV star Shoaib Ibrahim, who was vacationing in Pahalgam with actor-wife Dipika Kakar and son Ruhaan hours before the attack, on his Instagram Stories said they had left Kashmir in the morning.

"Hi guys, U all have been concerned for our well-being… Hum sab safe hain theek hain, aaj hi morning me we left Kashmir (We all are safe and sound, we left Kashmir this morning), and we reached Delhi safely… Thank you for all the concern..." Ibrahim wrote on Tuesday.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra termed the Pahalgam terrorist attack "a cowardly act".

"I have full faith in our armed forces and I’m sure they will do the needful and ensure justice. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the innocent victims. Jai Hind!" Malhotra said on his Instagram Story.

An emotional Anupam Kher shared a selfie video on social media with the caption: "Wrong. Wrong. Wrong!! Pahalgam massacre! Words are incompetent today!! #Pahalgam."

Jammu-born comic Samay Raina on Tuesday evening shared a post on the terror attack on his Instagram Stories and captioned it as: "Unable to sleep tonight."

Star cricket player Virat Kohli condoling the families of the victims shared a post on his Instagram story.

He wrote, " Deeply saddened by the heinous attack in Pahalgam on innocent people. Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength to families of all those who lost their lives and justice to be served for this cruel act."

(With DHNS inputs)