'Will never forget’: Nation remembers Pahalgam victims as leaders vow strong fight against terror

In a post on X, Murmu said, “I pay heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The tragic loss of innocent lives in that heinous act remains etched in our collective memory. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The entire nation stands with them. Such acts of terror cannot deter our unwavering commitment to peace and unity.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered the victims, stating that India will never bow to terrorism. “Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” he said, adding, “India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed.”

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan said the victims would “forever be remembered” and stressed that acts of brutality cannot shake India’s resolve to uphold peace and unity.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India’s response to terrorism is now “firm, decisive and unwavering,” while Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the country’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India remains steadfast in countering terrorism in all its forms.

One of the Deadliest Attacks in Recent Memory

The attack occurred around 2:30 pm in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, when militants dressed in military fatigues opened fire on a group of tourists.

A total of 26 people—including two foreign nationals and two locals—were killed, while at least 10 others were injured. The The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, stating the assault was in protest against India’s domicile policy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliation

In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Nine terror camps linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed in a swift 25-minute operation, according to the Press Information Bureau. The strikes aimed to neutralise facilities involved in planning attacks against India.