Mumbai/IBNS: India's cricket icon Virat Kohli has condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that has killed over two dozen tourists, mostly Hindus, in the popular tourist spot of South Kashmir.

In an Instagram story, Kohli wrote, "Deeply saddened by the heinous attack in Pahalgam on innocent people. Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

"Praying for peace and strength to families of all those who lost their lives and justice to be served for this cruel act."

Details about the attack

Tourists, mostly Hindus, were targeted by the militants in one of the worst Islamic terror attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

The terrorists reportedly asked the victims to chant Islamic verse, pull down their pants to check circumcision in a bid to confirm their Hindu identities before gunning them down. Two among the dead were non-Muslim foreigners.

The attack, which coincided with US Vice-President JD Vance's four-day India visit, has left the booming tourism and the Centre's normalcy drive in jeopardy.

The tourists have already rushed to move out of the valley, which is called India's Switzerland and a paradise over its scenic beauty.

According to a report by The Indian Express, officials said the terrorists chose the peak tourist season in the valley, the cause of relentless Pakistan-sponsored attacks on India, to execute the plans.