Authorities have reported that at least two dozen individuals lost their lives when gunmen targeted a group of domestic tourists at a well-known scenic location in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to information provided to the BBC.
A violent incident occurred in Pahalgam, a scenic town in the Himalayas, frequently called the “Switzerland of India.”Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of the region, described the attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” Sources indicate that a significant number of individuals have sustained injuries, with several reported to be in critical condition.
World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen, have voiced their condemnation of the attacks.
Reports from Kashmir reveal unsettling developments. In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the unwavering support of the United States for India in its fight against terrorism.
Von der Leyen characterized the deaths in Kashmir as a “vile terrorist attack,” whereas Putin conveyed his “sincere condolences” regarding the aftermath of what he termed a “brutal crime.”
In response to the recent attack, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shortened his visit to Saudi Arabia, asserting that those responsible will “be brought to justice.”
In a statement posted on X, Modi emphasized that the commitment to combat terrorism remains steadfast and is poised to intensify further.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry has expressed its concern regarding the tragic loss of tourists’ lives, extending condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a swift recovery for those injured.Tuesday’s attack marks a significant deviation from the norm, as tourists have seldom been the focus of violence in over thirty-five years of conflict, particularly not to this extent.
On Tuesday, Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar, the largest city in Kashmir, to convene an urgent security meeting. Manoj Sinha, the region’s Lieutenant Governor, confirmed that the army and police have been dispatched to the location.
Currently, no organization has come forward to take responsibility for the attack. The Muslim-majority region has experienced a prolonged insurgency since 1989, though recent years have seen a decline in violence.
An attack occurred in Baisaran, a scenic meadow three miles (5km) from Pahalgam, situated atop a mountain.According to Inspector General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Vidi Kumar Birdi, vehicles are currently unable to access the location where the shooting took place, as reported by BBC Hindi.
A tourist hailing from Gujarat, who was among a group targeted in a shooting incident, recounted the scene of chaos that ensued following the unexpected attack, with individuals fleeing in panic, crying, and shouting.
Video footage circulated by Indian media outlets seemingly depicts Indian troops rushing to the site of the attack. In additional clips, victims can be heard stating that the gunmen specifically targeted non-Muslims.
Unverified footage circulating on social media seemingly depicts bodies scattered across a meadow, accompanied by individuals expressing distress and calling for assistance.
Authorities reported that several tourists were hospitalized due to gunshot injuries. Authorities have established a perimeter, with military personnel conducting vehicle inspections at designated checkpoints. A collaborative search operation is underway involving the Indian army and the Jammu and Kashmir police.
Indian media reports indicate that multiple protests are scheduled for Wednesday.
Since the 1990s, an armed separatist insurgency in the region has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, affecting both civilians and security personnel.
The Himalayan region underwent a significant division after India gained independence from Britain, leading to the partition and the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.
The two nuclear-armed nations assert their claims over the entire region and have engaged in two wars, along with a limited conflict, in the decades that have followed.
Approximately 500,000 Indian soldiers are stationed permanently in the region.
The government asserts that the security landscape has seen improvements and a reduction in violence since the revocation of Kashmir’s partial autonomy in 2019, despite ongoing reports of violent incidents.
In June 2024, a significant assault on civilians took place, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to 33 others. The attack unfolded when militants targeted a bus transporting Hindu pilgrim, opening fire indiscriminately.
In 2019, a devastating suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir resulted in the deaths of at least 46 soldiers, leading to a series of Indian airstrikes on various targets within Pakistan.
Pahalgam has emerged as a favored tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from both within the country and abroad. Recently, government initiatives have aimed to bolster tourism in the area.
Official figures indicate that Kashmir welcomed approximately 3.5 million tourists in 2024.
