Srinagar, India — In a tragic and shocking incident, at least 26 tourists were killed on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire at a popular tourist spot in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Police say the attack happened at Baisaran meadow, about 5 kilometers from the famous town of Pahalgam.
According to the police, four militants suddenly started shooting at a group of tourists from close range. Around 36 people were also injured in the attack, many of them seriously. Most of the people who died were Indian tourists.
At least 24 bodies had been recovered on the scene, and two greater sufferers died on the way to the hospital. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Such attacks on tourists are rare in Kashmir. The region has been in conflict for many years, but tourists have mostly been safe. This attack is visible as a big change inside the scenario. Omar Abdullah, a top political chief in Kashmir, said this is the worst attack on civilians in recent years.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah said strong action will be taken against those responsible. He reached Srinagar and held a meeting with security officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shortened his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India early.
The United Nations, alongside leaders from countries just like the United States, Russia, and Italy, have strongly condemned the attack. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that “attacks on civilians are by no means perfect.”
Kashmir’s top religious leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also said that this kind of violence is not what Kashmir stands for and that the region has always welcomed tourists with love and warmth.
