- Gunmen opened fire on Indian tourists near Pahalgam, Kashmir.
- Over 20 people are feared dead, many more injured.
- Authorities call it one of the deadliest civilian attacks in years.
A group of armed militants opened fire on Indian tourists at Baisaran meadow, just outside Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, killing more than 20 people, according to initial reports.
Home Minister Amit Shah, condemning the incident as a “dastardly act,” has flown to Srinagar for an \’;[p with security agencies.
Tourist Haven Turned Tragedy: Kashmir Hit by Worst Civilian Attack in Years
Baisaran meadow, a picturesque area frequented by hundreds of tourists daily, became the scene of bloodshed as suspected militants fired indiscriminately into crowds. Police sources indicated that victims included families on vacation, with children among the injured.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion, with local guides and horsemen helping evacuate victims. Emergency services rushed the wounded to hospitals, while nearby areas were sealed off to prevent further attacks.
Kashmir’s political leaders were swift to respond. While Omar Abdullah called it a “watershed moment in civilian targeting,” Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the violence, emphasizing that it violates the region’s longstanding tradition of hospitality.
The attack has reignited debates over the region’s fragile peace. While tourist numbers had rebounded in recent years, this event may stall economic recovery and rekindle anxieties about safety, just as Kashmir was preparing for a strong summer tourism season.
This brutal attack on innocent tourists not only shatters lives but also threatens to reverse the hard-earned progress toward peace and stability in Kashmir.
“Such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth.” – Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
