“Violence is never a solution” – Pres Ali on terrorist attack in Kashmir

…extends solidarity to India

President Dr Irfaan Ali has extended condolences and a strong message of solidarity to the Government and people of India following the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed multiple lives and injured several others.
In a formal letter addressed to Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President Ali condemned the act in the strongest terms and reiterated Guyana’s steadfast opposition to terrorism and violent extremism.
“This heinous act of violence is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of extremism,” the President wrote. “I unequivocally condemn this brutal attack, which serves no purpose other than to instill fear and suffering. Violence is never a solution; it only perpetuates a cycle of pain and loss.”

Additionally, President Ali expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy. He noted that Guyana stands with India in mourning and in its pursuit of justice.
“Let us all stand together against such acts of violence and commit ourselves to fostering a culture of peace and compassion,” he urged. “I am confident that those responsible for this horrific attack will be brought to justice.”
President Ali’s message adds to the growing chorus of international condemnation and calls for accountability, as global leaders respond to the attack. His remarks also reflect Guyana’s broader commitment to peaceful dialogue and international solidarity in confronting terrorism and violent extremism.

Attack
According to international news outlet The Guardian, at least 28 tourists have been killed after suspected militants “opened fire at a popular local tourist destination in Kashmir” during a scheduled four-day visit to the country by the Vice President (VP) of the United States (US) James David Vance.
The publication detailed that the attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley, a picturesque meadow in Pahalgam, a well-known tourist town located 90 kilometres (km) south of Srinagar, the region’s main city, in what officials are describing as the deadliest attack on civilians in the region in recent years.
At about 3pm local time, a group of gunmen, who apparently approached tourists from the direction of the nearby mountains, emerged from a dense pine forest. Graphic videos shared by locals on social media showed injured tourists lying in pools of blood, while their relatives screamed and pleaded for help. Due to the area’s lack of road access, helicopter services were deployed to evacuate the wounded.
According to local police officials, two to three gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on tourists in the area, which is accessible only by foot or on horseback, before fleeing the scene.
Protests erupted in several areas of the Indian-administered Kashmir condemning the attack, with a rally led by right-wing vigilantes in the city of Jammu blaming Pakistan.
The report further went on to note that authorities have described the attack as targeted and intended to spread terror among the tourists visiting Kashmir.
In fact, VP Vance condemned the “horrific attack” and shared his condolences with a post on social media. “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India,” he wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”