Nepal Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Mourns Death of Nepali National

Nepal has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including Nepali citizen Sandip Neupane and a national from the United Arab Emirates. The attack, carried out on Tuesday afternoon, targeted a group of tourists at Baisaran meadows, a scenic destination near Pahalgam.

In separate statements, Nepal’s top political leaders and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed shock and solidarity with India, reaffirming Nepal’s unwavering stance against terrorism.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli offered his condolences to the victims’ families and said Nepal “stands firmly with India” in this moment of grief. He noted that coordination was underway to verify further details related to the deceased Nepali citizen and assured that necessary support would be provided.

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba echoed these sentiments, describing the attack as a “heinous and senseless act of terrorism.” She emphasized Nepal’s solidarity with India and expressed hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” she said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms. “Nepal unequivocally condemns the barbaric terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam,” it read. “Such heinous acts cannot and should not be justified under any circumstances. Nepal extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and expresses sincere wishes for the swift recovery of the injured.”

The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, was a brutal ambush that targeted families, children, and elderly tourists. Witnesses said the gunmen, dressed in military-style fatigues, opened fire indiscriminately, with some reports suggesting they asked for names before shooting—hinting at selective targeting.

Among the victims were Indian nationals from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, as well as a high-ranking officer. Videos from the scene showed chaos, with terrified survivors searching for loved ones amid gunfire and bloodshed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has rushed to Srinagar to lead a high-level security review and will visit the site on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the massacre “an abomination” and said it marked one of the most horrific attacks on civilians in recent years.

In the wake of the tragedy, Indian security forces have launched a massive counter-terror operation in the region, deploying drones, sniffer dogs, and special forces units. Initial intelligence suggests that the militants infiltrated from Kishtwar and entered Baisaran through Kokernag in South Kashmir.

The presence of foreign nationals among the dead has heightened diplomatic concern and is expected to intensify international scrutiny over security in Kashmir.

Nepal, while mourning the loss of one of its own, has reiterated its long-standing position against terrorism in all its forms and has called for justice and accountability in the aftermath of this tragic incident.