New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): National political leaders from across the spectrum condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, calling it a cowardly and reprehensible act. They extended condolences to the bereaved families.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed his dismay on the social media platform X, saying, 'The cowardly attack by terrorists on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely condemnable and sad. My condolences are with the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this attack. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured.'

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called the incident 'heart-wrenching and angered.' He wrote, 'The news of the cowardly attack on innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is heart-wrenching and angered. The entire nation expresses its sympathies with the families of the civilians killed in this reprehensible act committed by terrorists.'

'Our brave soldiers will definitely give a befitting reply to the cowardice of the terrorists. As long as the brave sons of Mother India are there, the designs of those who want to disturb the peace in Jammu and Kashmir will never succeed,' he added.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal also issued a statement on X: 'The cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely shameful and condemnable. Targeting unarmed innocents is an attack on humanity. The whole country is united in this sad moment, our condolences are with the victims' families and we strongly condemn every form of terrorism.'

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday paid 'heartfelt' condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured ones.

In a post on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan handle said that the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful.

'The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable,' the post reads.

'My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured,' it added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday 'strongly' condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and paid condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice.

'I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,' PM Modi said.

Political leaders across parties have strongly condemned the firing incident reported in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir, calling it an attack on peace and the region's tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Security forces and police personnel rushed to the site immediately after the attack. Ambulances were also rushed to the location. (ANI)