Srinagar, Apr 22 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and will return to India tonight, following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that killed 28 tourists, including two foreign nationals.
He also skipped the official dinner hosted in his honour by the Saudi government in view of the tragedy.
Militants opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam on Monday afternoon, leaving at least 20 others injured. The attack has sparked national outrage and drawn strong condemnation from leaders across party lines.
The United States also condemned the attack in strong terms.
“Nothing can justify such a heinous act killing tourists and civilians,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. We continue to monitor the situation and call for perpetrators to be held accountable.”
Home Minister Amit Shah has convened an emergency meeting in Delhi and is expected to visit the site on the Prime Minister’s direction.
A massive search operation is underway in the region as security forces hunt for the attackers.
