April 23, 2025 | Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir
Kathmandu, April 23 — A Nepali citizen, Sudip Neupane from Kalikanagar, Butwal-11, was among the 26 people killed in a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir, India, on Tuesday. Sudip was on vacation with his mother when gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in a remote meadow. His mother was also injured in the attack and is now receiving treatment. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. “We’re heartbroken to lose a Nepali citizen in such a horrific act of terror. Our prayers are with the family, and we hope for a swift recovery of the injured,” she wrote. She added that Nepal is closely working with Indian authorities, and the Nepali embassy in New Delhi is helping the affected family.
According to Reuters, this is one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in nearly 20 years. A militant group calling itself ‘Kashmir Resistance’ claimed responsibility for the shooting. The group claimed it was targeting the increasing number of non-local settlers in the area, saying it’s changing the region’s demographic structure. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “barbaric act of terrorism.” The ministry offered condolences to all victims’ families and said Nepal stands in full solidarity with India during this difficult time.
Top Nepali leaders, including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Foreign Minister Deuba, also shared their condolences on social media, calling the attack senseless and inhumane. They emphasized Nepal’s firm stance against terrorism.
In India, the attack prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and return to New Delhi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also ended her foreign trip early in response to the tragedy.
source: Kathmandu Post
