New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): Following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, prominent political leaders from various parties have strongly condemned the incident, calling it an assault on peace and the rights of civilians in the region.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who was on an official visit to Lakshadweep, expressed his condemnation of the attack, describing it as 'assault' not only on India but on the 'rights of the people of Kashmir.' He also highlighted that the attack threatened the region's status as a premier tourist destination and undermined the peaceful lives of the people in Kashmir.

'While the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs is in Lakshadweep, news has just come in of the horrifying and cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahelgam, Kashmir. I join all those who unreservedly condemn this heinous crime, which is an assault, not just on India, but on the rights of the people of Kashmir to live in peace & thrive as a premier tourist destination in our country. I strongly support the efforts of the national and state authorities to deal with the perpetrators and bring these criminals to justice,' Tharoor said in a post on the social media platform X.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed his strong condemnation of the attack, emphasising the need for justice. He sent condolences to the victims and their families, adding his prayers for the injured.

'The Pahalgam terrorist attack is highly condemnable, and its perpetrators deserve the strictest punishment under the law. We stand with the victims of the attack & their families. My condolences to the loved ones of the deceased & I pray for the swift and full recovery of those injured,' Owaisi posted.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday, asserting that the attack was aimed at derailing Jammu and Kashmir's path towards progress and development.

Fadnavis further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken cognisance of the incident, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation.

'Strict action will be taken. I am also in constant touch with the administration there. Two people from Maharashtra have lost their lives in this tragic attack,' he confirmed.

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu 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.

'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 read.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday also '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.

'Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger,' he added.

The attack, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, took place earlier on Tuesday.

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. (ANI)