On Tuesday, a devastating terror attack in the Jammu and Kashmir region left at least 26 people dead and injured a dozen others, marking a rare incident of violence against tourists in an area long affected by insurgency. This tragic event unfolded in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, located in the picturesque Anantnag district, and is now regarded as one of the worst assaults on civilians in recent years.
Authorities reported that a group of tourists was targeted by suspected militants in a meadow of the Baisaran Valley, which is primarily accessible on foot or by horseback. The inspector general of police in Kashmir, V K Birdi, confirmed that most of the victims were travelers, including a Nepali national and an individual of Indian origin working in the Middle East. Birdi emphasized that the attack took place in a secluded area, stating, "This did not occur in a normal place."
Eyewitness accounts revealed the chaos that ensued during the attack. One woman recounted that her husband was shot in the head, while another survivor, Asavari Jagdale, described how gunmen invaded the tent where her family was hiding, accusing them of supporting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before opening fire on her male relatives.
A militant group known as The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the assault through social media, expressing discontent towards "outsiders" residing in the region and alleging a "demographic change." However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate this claim, and CNN has been unable to independently verify the group's statements. Birdi assured that authorities were investigating the situation and were aware of the group's claim.
In response to the attack, Indian Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences and vowed that those responsible for this heinous act would be brought to justice. "Their evil agenda will never succeed," he stated. Following the incident, local residents gathered to protest, chanting slogans and holding signs demanding an end to terrorism, as well as calling for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah.
Modi's trip to Saudi Arabia was cut short as he returned to address the situation. The Indian Army has initiated search operations to locate the attackers, while Shah arrived in the region to convene a high-level security meeting.
Expressions of solidarity and condolences poured in from around the globe. US Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting India, shared his thoughts on social media, highlighting the beauty of the country and offering prayers for the victims. US President Donald Trump also condemned the attack, reiterating US support for India in its fight against terrorism. Leaders from various nations, including Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, France, and Italy, condemned the violence as well.
The Kashmir region, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been a focal point of conflict for over 70 years. The area remains one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints, with a de facto border known as the Line of Control separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled territories. For decades, various militant groups have engaged in violence, demanding independence or affiliation with Pakistan, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties.
While the Indian government claims that militancy has decreased since the heightened military presence and communication restrictions imposed in 2019, attacks continue to disrupt the fragile peace. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Pakistan of fueling terrorism, asserting that the recent attack reflects Pakistan's frustration over the return of peace and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty and as a pilgrimage route for the annual Amarnath Yatra, has witnessed previous attacks, but violence against tourists remains uncommon. The last significant incident occurred in June when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims was attacked, resulting in multiple fatalities. The ongoing instability in the region raises concerns about safety for both locals and tourists alike, as the world watches closely to see how the situation unfolds.
