Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 29 (ANI): In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, locals across Jammu and Kashmir have united in strong condemnation, reiterating their call for peace, and terming the incident an attack on humanity and the values that define the union territory.

Expressing grief and outrage, residents emphasised that Kashmiris are known for their hospitality and peaceful nature, and such violence stands in direct contrast to their centuries-old traditions of welcoming guests.

Local Kashmiris described the incident as not only a misfortune for the region but also a deep betrayal of human values.

Speaking to ANI, a resident said, 'I have no words to condemn this incident. Kashmiris are renowned for their hospitality worldwide. We have always welcomed tourists and supported them during difficult times. This is against humanity. We are all saddened. Kashmiris always want peace.'

Another resident reflected the same sentiment and said, 'This is a misfortune to the entire Jammu and Kashmir that such an incident took place. It is unfortunate because they are our brothers who come to Kashmir. It is a matter of shame for those who killed humanity. It is written in the Quran that if a person kills one innocent person, he kills all of humanity.'

Reaffirming their national identity and solidarity, another resident said, 'We are Indians and we are proud of it. Kashmiris are renowned for their hospitality worldwide. We support the decisions taken by Prime Minister Modi. What happened is very unfortunate. A Kashmiri will die but will not let even an injury fall upon his guest.'

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Tuesday with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also attended the meeting.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Prime Minister Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday. The meeting came a day after Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan briefed the Defence Minister on some decisions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed.

The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the terror attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment.

The government had convened an all-party meeting after the Pahalgam terror attack. Opposition parties have expressed their full support for any action taken by the government against the perpetrators of the terror attack.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government has announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)