Pahalgam attack carried out by foreign terrorists; no local involvement: J&K CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people, was carried out by foreign terrorists and was no involvement of local residents.

Speaking to reporters in Gulmarg, he said two people had been arrested for giving shelter to the attackers, but added that they might have acted under pressure.

“They gave food to the terrorists, but it might have been out of fear. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is looking into it, and once the investigation is complete, a chargesheet will be filed,” he said.

The attack led to a strong response from India, which launched Operation Sindoor to target terror camps across the Line of Control. This resulted in four days of intense fighting between India and Pakistan, raising tensions in the region.

The attack also badly affected Kashmir’s tourism sector. Pahalgam, being one of the most popular tourist spots in the Valley, saw a wave of cancellations and a sharp drop in bookings.

However, efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir government, along with tour operators from the Valley and other parts of India, have helped restore the confidence of visitors and bring tourists back to the region.

He also assured that the government was working hard to bring back students from Jammu and Kashmir who are studying in the conflict-hit Iran.

“We were very worried about our children. Flights were delayed due to airspace closures, but now we’re hopeful that most of them will return soon, completing the evacuation process,” he said.

India