Heavily armed men unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon a group of unsuspecting tourists in the serene and picturesque region of Indian-administered Kashmir, tragically claiming the lives of at least 28 individuals, as confirmed by Indian police.
This incident stands out as one of the most devastating attacks in the area in recent history.
According to police reports, numerous tourists suffered gunshot wounds during this horrific ‘terror attack’ on Tuesday. The assault occurred in the idyllic Baisaran meadow, situated roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the renowned resort town of Pahalgam, a sought-after destination in the disputed region.
‘This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,’ expressed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the region’s highest-ranking elected official, in a poignant message shared on social media.
In a tragic event, Indian police reported to the Associated Press news agency that at least 28 individuals lost their lives and 17 others suffered injuries in a violent attack.
The attack was claimed by a relatively obscure group, Kashmir Resistance, through a social media post. They voiced their dissatisfaction with the settlement of over 85,000 ‘outsiders’ in the region, describing it as a catalyst for a ‘demographic change.’
According to Indian security agencies, Kashmir Resistance acts as a front for Pakistan-based armed organizations, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, who actively challenge Indian governance in Kashmir. However, Pakistan maintains that it offers only moral and diplomatic backing.
Responding to the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Pakistan has expressed its “concern” over the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists. The statement came a day after heavily armed terrorists struck at Baisaran, a scenic meadow near Pahalgam, opening fire on a large group of tourists. The ambush killed 26 individuals and injured several more.
“We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the Pakistan foreign minister said in a statement.