UN Secretary-General Guterres Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Says Civilian Violence Unacceptable Under Any Circumstances
UNITED NATIONS, April 22: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of the gruesome terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including tourists and civilians. Describing the assault as an “armed attack,” the UN Chief reaffirmed that violence targeting innocent civilians can never be justified.
In a statement released through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the armed attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April, in which at least 28 people were killed. He stresses that attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances,” Dujarric said during a press briefing.
The deadly ambush occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the scenic Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in south Kashmir, when militants opened indiscriminate fire on civilians. According to officials, the victims include 26 confirmed dead, with the count feared to rise. Among those killed were two foreign nationals—one from the UAE and another from Nepal—and two local residents.
Described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, the massacre has shaken the entire Union Territory and drawn widespread international condemnation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it “a much larger and more sinister attack than anything we’ve seen in recent years targeting civilians,” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Secretary-General’s statement is a reminder of the global consensus against terrorism, particularly those acts that violate fundamental human rights and international humanitarian norms. Guterres urged all parties to ensure accountability and reiterated the UN’s solidarity with the people of India during this time of national mourning.
The attack has led to enhanced security arrangements across Kashmir and a reevaluation of safety protocols for tourists and civilians in sensitive zones. International observers have also expressed concern over the rising trend of targeting non-combatants, urging collaborative counter-terrorism efforts to prevent such atrocities in the future.
