Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoided flying over Pakistan airspace while returning from Saudi Arabia late Tuesday. His plane, Air India One, took a longer route and flew over the Arabian Sea before entering India through Gujarat. He was returning to deal with the aftermath of a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 people, including tourists and civilians, were killed.

Flight tracking websites showed that while PM Modi’s Indian Air Force Boeing 777-300 used Pakistan airspace on his way to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning, the return route was different. The decision to avoid Pakistan airspace on the way back has been seen as a security measure. Sources say it shows that Indian security agencies were alert and cautious after the attack and made the route change to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and his delegation.

After landing at the Palam Air Force Base in Delhi early Wednesday morning, PM Modi immediately held a high-level meeting with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Terrorists opened fire at tourists in Pahalgam

The terror attack took place around 2.30 pm on Tuesday in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot known for its beautiful hills and apple orchards. Eyewitnesses said several terrorists suddenly arrived and opened fire on tourists and locals, causing panic and chaos. The area is often described as a "mini-Switzerland" because of its green and open space. But during the attack, people found no place to hide, which showed how well-planned the attack was.

Disturbing videos from the scene showed terrified women crying and pleading for help. In one such video, a woman with blood on her face is seen shouting, “Please save my husband. For God’s sake, save him.”

One of the most shocking details came from a woman whose husband was killed in front of her. She said the terrorist looked at her and said, "Go tell Modi," before walking away. Among the dead were a Navy officer who had been married just a week ago and an Intelligence Bureau official who was shot in front of his wife.

Reports suggest that the attack was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group believed to be linked to the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). These terrorists are suspected to have entered Baisaran through Kokernag in South Kashmir after crossing over from Kishtwar in Jammu. However, the Indian government has not officially confirmed this yet.

PM condemns attack, calls it a 'heinous act'

PM Modi was in Saudi Arabia on a state visit when the attack happened. But he quickly spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to visit the site personally. PM Modi was supposed to return to India on Wednesday night, but after the attack, he decided to come back earlier.

Condemning the attack, the Prime Minister wrote on social media platform X, “Those behind this heinous act will not be spared… Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable…”

Following the prime minister’s direction, Amit Shah reached Pahalgam Tuesday night. He had already held an emergency video meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Governor Manoj Sinha, and top officials from state and central security agencies.

Home Minister Shah assured the public that the government “will come down heavily on perpetrators.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his anger and called the attackers “animals and inhuman”. He added, “This attack was much larger than anything directed at civilians in recent years.”

Opposition leaders also condemn the attack

Many opposition leaders have condemned the attack and called for strong action. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said, “Resorting to violence is an act of cowardice and needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms.” She also said that the country must work together to fight such divisive and violent forces.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also strongly criticised the attack.

 

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