Five tourists killed in terrorist attack in J&K’s Pahalgam; Amit Shah chairs security meeting
At least five civilians are feared dead and eight others injured after terrorists opened fire at a group of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday. The injured have been shifted to a local hospital.
The attack, the worst in the region in nearly a year, took place around 3 pm at Baisaran in Pahalgam where a group of tourists had gone for sight-seeing. According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen opened fire at the tourists from close range.
Pahalgam is often dubbed as a 'mini Switzerland' because of its long lush green meadows.
Security forces and police personnel have rushed to the spot. The area has been sealed and a search operation is currently underway to track down the terrorists.
Union Home Minister has called an emergency meeting to review the security situation.
According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, talked to Shah over the phone and instructed the home minister to visit Pahalgam.
Reports had earlier claimed that one person was killed in the attack. However, quoting police sources, Reuters reported that at least five persons had lost their lives.
Political leaders condemn attack
Political leaders, cutting across party lines, condemned the attack and demanded the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Chief Minister Omar Abdulla expressed shock over the incident and said the attack on the visitors was an abomination.
"I'm shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased," he said.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said such acts of violence are unacceptable and must be denounced.
“Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," she wrote on X.
J&K People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone said terrorists are the biggest enemy of the Kashmiris and their war is against the hospitality of the people in the region.
“They want tourists to leave Kashmir and that Kashmiris have no source of livelihood. They are enemies of our kids and the coming generations. They are terrorists. Targeting unarmed tourists is the biggest sin. They will neither be forgiven here, nor in the eyes of god,” he said.
India