No Malaysians Harmed In Kashmir Attack

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No Malaysians have been reported affected by the attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement, the ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation following the attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, through the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi.
Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, has seen an incident that has affected several individuals, including foreign tourists. The region is known to be frequented by Malaysian visitors.
“Based on the latest report from the authorities, no Malaysians have been affected by the incident, but the situation is being closely monitored.
ADS“The High Commission has established contact with the group leaders from Malaysian tourist travel agencies registered with the High Commission and are currently in Kashmir. The group leaders have reported that they are safe,” the statement read.
Media reported that at least 26 people were killed when unknown gunmen opened fire on Tuesday on tourists in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in southern Kashmir. Authorities described the assault as one of the worst in recent memory.
Anadolu Ajansi reported that most of the victims were Indian nationals from various states, though officials have yet to disclose the full demographics of the victims.
The Foreign Ministry said it continues to liaise with local authorities to monitor the situation closely and ensure the safety of all Malaysian nationals in the region.
“Malaysians in Kashmir are advised to remain vigilant, follow local authorities' instructions, and take necessary precautions,” the statement read.
The Foreign Ministry will continue to provide updates as necessary and advises that all non-essential travel to this region be deferred.
Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi at 50-M, Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, by phone at +91-11-2415 9300 / +91-11-2415 9311 (Consular) / +91-11-2688 1538, or by email at [email protected].
Following the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia.
In a post on X, Modi stated, “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice.
"Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable and it will get even stronger," he wrote.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra ModiModi travelled to the Saudi city of Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit.
The Indian leader held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman before leaving for New Delhi on Tuesday night. He co-chaired the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting to review bilateral relations in various areas.
ADSThe Saudi crown prince condemned the attack and expressed his condolences on the loss of lives, India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Leaders condemn attack
Indian opposition leaders also expressed grief and condemnation over the attack.
Congress party senior leader Sonia Gandhi said she was "deeply saddened and devastated" to learn of the terror attack and described it as "an act of cowardice".
"The entire country stands united against terror. We share a deep resolve to defeat these divisive and violent forces. We need to work to build the broad social consensus against terror that existed in the past," Gandhi said.
The attack coincided with US vice-president JD Vance’s four-day visit to India.
In a post on X, Vance said, “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India.
“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” he wrote.
US President Donald Trump called Modi to convey his condolences.
Trump expressed his full support to India "to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack," Jaiswal said.
The attack has shocked Kashmiri people as it is likely to affect the scenic region's summer tourism season.
"I'm shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination... No words of condemnation are enough," Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said on X.
He described the attack as "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years".
Deeply concerning
Jammu and Kashmir held its first local assembly election in a decade in 2024, following which the Kashmir-based National Conference and the Congress party formed a coalition government headed by Omar.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti says historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmlyThe attack shattered the region's relative calm and may pose new challenges to the six-month-old elected regional government to revive Kashmir's economy.
"Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses," former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said.
Indian-administered Kashmir is a federal territory under New Delhi's direct control, with the local administration enjoying limited powers.
The former state was divided into two federally ruled territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in August 2019 after India abrogated Article 370 of the Indian constitution to take away the Muslim-majority region's quasi autonomy.
- Bernama

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