In a tragic escalation of violence, a group of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam was attacked by terrorists on Tuesday, leaving at least eight dead and 20 injured, with two critically wounded, according to official sources. The attack occurred in Baisaran, a scenic but remote meadow near Pahalgam, making it difficult for security forces to reach the site promptly due to the region’s challenging terrain.
According to eyewitnesses, two to three terrorists opened fire on the group, which included women and elderly individuals. A Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot is believed to be behind the assault. This is the first attack on tourists this year, and the most severe targeting of civilians in the region in recent times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an emergency conversation with Home Minister Amit Shah, directing him to take all “suitable measures” and visit the attack site. In response, Shah announced he would be leaving for Srinagar immediately to oversee a high-level security review.
“The perpetrators of this dastardly act will not be spared. We will take the harshest action,” Shah declared on social media, also expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
Jammu & Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years” and stated that the death toll is still being confirmed.
As the nation reels from the shock, security agencies have intensified search operations in the area, vowing swift action against those responsible. This attack marks a worrying resurgence in violence aimed at disrupting peace and tourism in Kashmir.
(With agency inputs)
