Pahalgam Attack News Live Updates: PM Modi returns to Delhi after J&K terror attack; FM Sitharaman heads back from US
23 Apr 2025 | 07:24:39 AM IST
Pahalgam Attack News Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Delhi after cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit in view of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir. Pahalgam Attack News Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in New Delhi, a day ahead of schedule, after shortening his official visit to Saudi Arabia. His early return follows a deadly terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 people lost their lives. Most of the victims were tourists visiting the area's popular meadow.Modi had been expected to return on Wednesday night. But in the wake of the attack, he left Riyadh sooner than planned. The change came as news of the assault triggered nationwide grief and condemnation.Sitharaman Heads Back from USFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also decided to cut short her international visit and will return to India at the earliest possible time. She had arrived in the United States on Sunday for a six-day official trip, which was to be followed by a five-day stop in Peru.On Wednesday, the Finance Ministry posted on X, 'Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman is cutting short her official visit to the USA-Peru. She is taking the earliest available flight back to India to be with our people in this difficult and tragic time.'The minister's travel had included meetings with American policymakers and global finance leaders. But her immediate return now marks a shift in focus, with the government redirecting its attention to the unfolding crisis at home.Pahalgam Shooting Leaves 26 DeadThe terror attack took place on Tuesday in the vicinity of Pahalgam, a scenic town in south Kashmir known for drawing travellers from across India. According to initial reports, gunmen opened fire on a group of people near a meadow frequented by tourists.Twenty-six individuals were killed. Many were holidaymakers. The attack marks one of the most serious civilian tragedies in the region in recent months.While investigations are underway, no group has claimed responsibility so far. Security forces have stepped up patrols, and intelligence agencies are working to trace the perpetrators. The identities of the victims are still being confirmed, and emergency services remain on high alert.Shock and Swift Political ResponseModi and Sitharaman's immediate decisions to leave their overseas engagements underline the seriousness with which the government is treating the situation. Both leaders had been on high-level diplomatic trips—Modi in Saudi Arabia for bilateral talks, and Sitharaman in the US for economic dialogue. Their return has signalled a prioritisation of domestic security over foreign commitments.The attack has prompted widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society groups, and international observers. In Kashmir, security forces have intensified operations, while across the country, flags are flying at half-mast in government offices.Further updates are expected as authorities gather more information and prepare a coordinated response to what has become a moment of national mourning. Show more
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