A horrific act of violence unfolded in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir on Tuesday, resulting in the death of over two dozen individuals. The incident, identified by officials as a terrorist attack, was executed by four armed individuals who targeted a group of tourists in the well-known resort town of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. The attack coincided with the visit of Vice President JD Vance to the region.
The attackers, believed to be militants, opened fire on the tourists at close range around 3 p.m. local time, as reported by senior police officials. The assault resulted in a minimum of 26 deaths and injured over three dozen individuals, many of whom are in critical condition.
Omar Abdullah, the highest elected official in the region, expressed his shock and condemnation of the attack on social media platforms. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims, labeling the attackers as “inhuman” and deserving of scorn.
The death toll is still being evaluated, according to Abdullah, who highlighted that the magnitude of the attack on civilians is unparalleled in recent history. Officials have discovered at least 24 bodies in the Baisaran meadows, roughly three miles from Pahalgam, a favored tourist spot. Two more victims passed away from their injuries while being transported for medical care.
The majority of the victims were Indian tourists, according to anonymous police sources. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with no organization having claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces are actively pursuing the attackers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to bring the culprits to justice in a social media post. He emphasized that India’s determination to fight terrorism is unwavering and will only intensify in response to such atrocious acts.
The region of Kashmir, a contested territory between India and Pakistan, has seen an increase in targeted killings of Hindus, including migrant workers from other Indian states, following the revocation of the region’s semi-autonomy by New Delhi in 2019. Despite the ongoing conflict, tourists continue to visit Baisaran Valley, often dubbed the “Switzerland of India,” for its picturesque landscape.
In the aftermath of the mass killing, President Trump expressed his full support for India. He extended his condolences and assured India of the United States’ solidarity in the fight against terrorism. Vice President Vance, who is currently visiting India, also extended his condolences and expressed his admiration for the country and its people.