Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 23 (ANI): Raj Ali, caretaker of the Jamia Ruqaiya Lil Banat madrassa in Udhampur, on Wednesday, expressed strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasising solidarity of local residents, said that terrorists have no religion because no religion teaches terrorism.

The madrassa caretaker further said that the attackers had been a 'disgrace' to the Muslims and that the entire community stands strong with the victims of the attack and their families.

Speaking to ANI, Raj Ali said, 'These girls here at the madrassa have been praying for the victims of the attack and their families who have suffered...This is a very condemnable act. They (terrorists) are not humans...They have no religion because no religion teaches terrorism. They are trying to disgrace the religion...We stand strong with the families of the victims in the attack.'

One of the students of the Jamia Ruqaiya Lil Banat madrassa in Udhampur also spoke to ANI and said, 'Those who are involved in this incident should be given stringent punishment. Today, we have prayed for the victims of this incident.'

The incident has not only shaken the families of the victims but also sparked outrage across the country, as calls grow louder for swift justice and stronger counter-terror measures.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag to meet the injured victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed several lives and left others wounded.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir and vowed that the government would respond with firm action and reiterated India's uncompromising stand against terrorism.

'I want to repeat India's resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism... I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only bring to justice the perpetrators of this act, but also the individuals behind the scenes... The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country.'

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team also arrived at the attack site to join the probe and assist the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the matter, which is considered the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in almost twenty years.

The NIA team - led by a Deputy Inspector General-rank officer - visited Baisaran a day after terrorists gunned down a group of tourists in the picturesque meadow, which is located around five kilometres from Pahalgam town in Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Official sources privy to the development told ANI that 'the NIA team members will be assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the investigation.

The NIA team is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the attack site, collect forensic evidence, and help in identifying those responsible for the carnage. (ANI)