Patiala (Punjab) [India], April 23 (ANI): Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Wednesday expressed his condolences in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed multiple lives and left several others injured.

In response to the attack, security forces have launched search operations to apprehend the terrorists responsible.

Speaking to ANI, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh said, 'This is a cowardly act by the anti-social elements. My condolences are with the affected families. We are determined as a nation to provide a fitting response to this incident. The victims will be brought to justice.'

He condemned the attack, calling it 'a cowardly act by anti-social elements' and assured that the victims will be brought to justice.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a briefing meeting at the Palam Airport with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials, in view of the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam.

PM Modi arrived in the national capital, cutting short his state visit to Saudi Arabia, following the terrorist attack. PM Modi was on a two-day State visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

PM Modi skipped the official dinner hosted by Saudi Arabia and decided to cut short his visit, according to government sources. He was originally scheduled to return on Wednesday night. However, he arrived in India early Wednesday morning after a terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack.

The incident, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, sparked widespread outrage nationwide. Several political leaders condemned the attack.

Residents of Jammu and Kashmir turned up for a candlelight march at several places in the state against the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday.

Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch and Kupwara held a candlelight march, while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack.

Locals in the Khod village of the Akhoor area of the territory also held a candlelight march protest against the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Government is yet to confirm the number of casualties in the incident. (ANI)