In the wake of the shocking terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including tourists and an intelligence officer, the governments of Italy, Iran and Sri Lanka have strongly condemned the violence and extended their condolences.
Early reports suggest the Pakistan-based terror outfit, The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the shootings, marking one of the worst such attacks in the region in recent years.
According to reports, a realtor named Manjunath from Karnataka’s Shivamogga district is among those killed. Two other persons from Karnataka and one from Tamil Nadu sustained injuries, according to reports.
Media reports said unknown persons wearing army fatigues came and fired at horse-riding tourists in the Baisran area around 2.30 pm. Baisran is a small meadow 3 to 4 km from the Pahalgam market. Tourists take horses to reach the place as there is no motorable road.
Amid international outrage, world leaders have issued strong messages of support and sympathy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, “Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack that occurred today in India, which resulted in numerous victims. Italy sends its condolences to the families affected, the injured, the government, and all the Indian people.”
Strongly denouncing the attack, the Government of Sri Lanka stated, “We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.” The statement further emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional peace, saying, “Sri Lanka stands in firm solidarity with the Indian government and people of India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The Iranian government also issued a message of solidarity. In an official statement, it said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, especially to the families of the victims of this attack, and wish a speedy recovery and good health to the injured.”
Similarly, the UAE also issued a statement of condemnation saying, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law.
The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims of this heinous attack, as well as its wishes of a speedy recovery for all the injured."