PM Modi’s Swift Return: Saudi Visit Cut Short Following Pahalgam Terror Strike

In a quick return to the terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that left 26 dead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortened his two-day official tour of Saudi Arabia. PM Modi was originally supposed to return on Wednesday night but left Jeddah late Tuesday and reached Delhi early Wednesday morning. The assault, one of the bloodiest in recent history, was aimed at tourists in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, where terrorists armed to the teeth opened fire, killing civilians including two foreign nationals.

During his short visit to Saudi Arabia, PM Modi met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who condemned the attack in strong words and showed solidarity with India. Modi avoided an official dinner in his honor to keep a close watch on the situation. On return, he will preside over a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to deal with the growing crisis.

PM Modi denounced the attack in a tweet, assuring that the perpetrators "will not be spared" and reaffirming India's unwavering commitment to combat terrorism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was also briefed by the PM, has already arrived in Srinagar to evaluate the situation on the ground.

The attack was attributed to The Resistance Front, a front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, raising concerns about cross-border terrorism in the region. The country is in mourning as security forces step up efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

Source: India Today, Times of India, Moneycontrol, Hindustan Times