On Tuesday, April 22, what was meant to be a peaceful visit to the breathtaking Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam turned into a nightmare. A brutal ter*orist att@ck targeting innocent tourists left at least 27 de*d and dozens more injured. The assault has left the entire nation reeling, not just for its scale but for the sheer cruelty of targeting unsuspecting civilians who had come to witness the natural beauty of the region.
The victims were from different parts of India — from southern states like Kerala and Karnataka to Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal — painting a stark image of national unity shattered by violence. Two foreign nationals were also among those k*lled, underlining the international dimensions of this heinous act.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and inhuman” act, while the Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Political leaders across party lines, along with security experts, have highlighted the pressing need to reassess security protocols in regions once again becoming hotspots of militancy.
The shockwaves of the attack were felt across industries, particularly in the entertainment world. Prominent voices from Bollywood and the South Indian film fraternity took to social media, expressing their heartbreak, outrage and solidarity with the victims. Some actors, while condemning the violence, also urged for stronger measures to ensure such tragedies never occur again. The collective outcry reflects the deep emotional impact of the incident — a rare moment where glamour bows in grief to humanity.
Here are some selected reactions:
Shah Rukh Khan tweeted, “Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand united, strong and get justice against this heinous act.”
https://x.com/iamsrk/status/1914972465958449426
Akshay Kumar wrote, “Horrified to know of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sheer evil to k*ll innocent people like this. Prayers for their families”
https://x.com/akshaykumar/status/1914674941342925177
Sidharth Malhotra wrote, “The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on innocent civilians is 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!”
https://x.com/SidMalhotra/status/1914747053978394860
Allu Arjun tweeted, “Soo heart broken by #Pahalgam Attack . 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”
https://x.com/alluarjun/status/1914876888021131333
Raveena Tandon’s tweet read, “Om Shanti. condolences. Shocked and angry . No words to express the anguish. Prayers and strength to the victims . Time we all let go of petty in-house fighting , UNITE and realise the true enemy.”
https://x.com/TandonRaveena/status/1914715657901342870
Salman Khan wrote, “Kashmir,heaven on planet earth turning into hell. Innocent people being targeted, my heart goes out to their families . Ek bhi innocent ko marna puri kainath ko marne ke barabar hai”
https://x.com/BeingSalmanKhan/status/1914981209525846083
Sonu Sood tweeted, “Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir’s #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. Om Sai Ram”
https://x.com/SonuSood/status/1914698877736804521
South Indian superstar Mohanlal tweeted, “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.”
https://x.com/Mohanlal/status/1914741001341763600
Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote, “Beyond heartbroken for the victims and their families. Praying for the lives lost (heart emoji) #Pahalgam.”
Sanjay Dutt reacted in a strong manner, “They k*lled 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.”
https://x.com/duttsanjay/status/1914705499838418997
Ram Charan tweeted, “Shocked and saddened by the terror attack in Pahalgam. Such incidents have no place in our society and should be strongly condemned. My prayers are with the families of those affected.”
https://x.com/AlwaysRamCharan/status/1914729550593786239
Anushka Sharma shared, “Heartbroken to hear about the cold-blooded terror attack on innocent people in Pahalgam, Kashmir.”
Beyond the statements and headlines, however, lies a larger, more complex reality. This tragedy is not merely an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of volatility in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite government efforts to promote the region as a peaceful tourist haven, incidents like these continue to highlight the fragile situation on the ground. They reinforce the urgent need for a sustained, holistic approach — one that includes security, dialogue and a genuine attempt at reconciliation — to address the deeper issues that give rise to such violence.
As the country mourns, it is important to recognise that the pain of loss extends far beyond the numbers. Each life lost represents a story unfinished, a family left in agony.
Om Shanti.
