India won’t bow to terrorism: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi among others vow

Srinagar: On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack on Wednesday, tourists, locals and politicians across the spectrum paid tributes to the victims. Several people also visited the Baisaran memorial in Pahalgam in south Kashmir, erected in honour of the 26 victims.

On April 22, 2025, 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local ponywala, were killed in a targeted attack by at least three terrorists. J&K authorities later informed that all three foreign attackers were killed in ‘Operation Mahadev‘ and that two local facilitators were arrested.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message said: “They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss. As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed.”

In Pahalgam, several tourists and locals paid tributes at the Baisaran memorial, where the names of all the victims have been inscribed on a large plaque. “This is our country, and no terror attack can deter us from coming here again. We planned to visit Kashmir on the anniversary of the attack to send a message of resilience, peace and stability,” said Anjali Tripathi from Odisha. She added that she paid tribute to Prashant from her state, who lost his life in the attack.
“Their memory endures indelibly in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with their families. We will not forget. We will not forgive. This is our solemn vow. India stands unified against terrorism,” said LG Manoj Sinha. CM Omar Abdullah said the people are united against terror and violence.
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Lok Sabha’s leader of the Opposition in a post in Hindi said: India will neither ever forget their sacrifice and the anguish of their families nor will it ever forgive the perpetrators of this cowardly act… India will never bow before forces that seek to spread hatred and fear; we will stand against them with even greater strength, unity, and resolve. Jai Hind.”

After the terror attack, India had carried out a retaliatory military offensive against Pakistan named Operation Sindoor, in which military and terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were destroyed.