New Delhi: As some families are still struggling to cope with the profound grief from last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the victims and said they will never be forgotten on the first anniversary of the dastardly attack. The Prime Minister paid homage to those who lost their lives in the “gruesome” attack and expressed solidarity with their families.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister said, “Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss.”
He also reaffirmed India’s firm stand against terrorism. PM Modi said India will never bow to terrorism. “As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed.”
On April 22 last year, a group of terrorists opened fire at tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, killing at least 26 innocent people — 25 tourists and a local ponywallah.
On Tuesday, the Indian Army issued a stern warning to the perpetrators of terrorism on the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, asserting the response is decisive when “boundaries of humanity are crossed” as families of the victims said they are still coming to terms with the loss.
Ahead of the anniversary of the dastardly act, the Army in a post on X, said, “When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is Served. India Stands United. #SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst.” The post, heavily symbolic, also carried a digital poster bearing a silhouetted image of the map of India with the caption “SOME BOUNDARIES SHOULD NEVER BE CROSSED.” The ‘O’ in the word ‘CROSSED’ was depicted by a bowl carrying a dash of ‘sindoor’ (vermilion), and a tagline at the bottom printed in crimson hue, read, “INDIA DOES NOT FORGET” with a red line drawn at the bottom.
A memorial bearing the names of the 26 victims has been erected in the hill resort of Pahalgam as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack that took place in the meadows of Baisaran valley. The memorial, built of black marble, has been constructed along the banks of the Lidder river.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has stepped up security and deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel in and around Pahalgam. Several politicians, civil society members, families of the victims, and local representatives will participate in a commemoration event in Pahalgam today.