LIVE Pahalgam attack: Kashmir valley shuts down to protest terror attack for the first time in 35 years

Pahalgam terror attack live: PM Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi today, skipping the official dinner. At the airport, he was received by NSA (national security advisor) Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, and was briefed on in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which has so far resulted in the loss of at least 26 lives, though no official death toll has yet been released.

Condemnation for the attack has poured in from all quarters, cutting across political and religious lines. Kashmir valley against a terror attack for the first time in 35 years on Wednesday as organisations from all walks of life supported the bandh call to protest the killings in Pahalgam, officials said.

Emergency help desk numbers at Anantnag: 95967 77669/ 01932225870/ WA: 94190 51940

Emergency control room Srinagar: 0194-2457543/2483651 or Adil Fareed, ADC: 70060 58623

Amit Shah likely to return to Delhi today

Union home minister Amit Shah visited Baisaran meadows, the scene of the gruesome killings, officials said.

After attending a wreath laying ceremony for the victims of the terror attack at the police control room in Srinagar, Shah flew in a chopper to Baisaran meadows, around 110 km away, they said.

As per media reports, Shah is likely to return to Delhi at around 5.00 pm today to attend meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal lays a wreath in tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack (photo: @kcvenugopalmp/X) J-K govt announces Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for kin of each deceased; Rs 2 lakh for seriously injured

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of each of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday.

Making the announcement, J-K chief minister Omar Abdullah said in a post on X, "Deeply shocked and anguished by the despicable terrorist attack in Pahalgam yesterday. This barbaric and senseless act of brutality against innocent civilians has no place in our society. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. We mourn the precious lives lost."

The chief minister said no amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of loved ones, but as a mark of support and solidarity, the J-K government announces an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased. The chief minister also announced Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.

All arrangements have been made to transport of the mortal remains of the deceased back to their homes in a dignified manner, Abdullah said.

"The injured are being provided the best medical care. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We share in your grief and stand by you in this dark hour," Abdullah said.

Pakistan condoles attack

Pakistan foreign office spokesman Shafqat Khan on Wednesday conveyed Pakistan's condolences on the killing of tourists. Pakistan is concerned at the attack, he told the media

Bodies of Pahalgam victims in Srinagar Amit Shah pays tribute to victims

Bodies of 26 victims were were brought to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar early Wednesday and then taken to the police control room, where Union home minister Amit Shah laid wreaths on them.

Shah, who reached Srinagar on Tuesday night, assured the survivors of the attack that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be brought to justice, officials said.

Alleged mastermind?

Several Indian media outlets have quoted unattributed intelligence sources identifying the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack as Saifullah Khalid, a commander of the Pakistan-backed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, whose affiliate The Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack. No official confirmation of Khalid's involvement is available as yet.