Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and injuring over 30 others, many critically.
This attack, in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, marked a disturbing escalation in a regional conflict where tourists had previously been spared. Police attributed the assault to militants opposing Indian rule in the region, with at least four attackers firing at close range.
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The victims were primarily Indian nationals, and although no group has claimed responsibility, authorities are actively searching for the assailants.
Omar Abdullah, the region’s top official, described this as one of the largest attacks on civilians in recent years. In response, Indian officials vowed to punish the perpetrators severely, with Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both taking swift action.
Modi cut his Saudi Arabia visit short to address the crisis. International leaders, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, condemned the violence, highlighting that attacks on civilians are never justifiable.
Kashmir, which has been a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, saw an increase in violence after India revoked the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019.
Despite tensions, the area has remained a popular tourist destination, and this attack on a popular spot in Pahalgam shocked many. Prominent figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and former President Donald Trump, expressed their condolences and support for India.
The ongoing conflict in Kashmir, fueled by separatist movements and Pakistan’s involvement, has claimed thousands of lives over the years. Though violence has subsided in some areas, militant attacks persist, shifting primarily to Jammu’s remote regions.
