Little-known militant group ‘Kashmir Resistance’ claims responsibility for Pahalgam attack

Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.

Where did the attack take place?

The incident occurred in Baisaran valley, a popular tourist spot, called “mini-Switzerland” because of the lush pine forests that surround it and its pristine landscape.

It comes at a time when Kashmir sees a particularly high footfall of tourists because of the spring season, and authorities say about 1,000 people were in the area when the militants opened fire.

Who are the victims?

One local among 26 Indians and one Nepalese national.

Who carried out the attack?

Little-known militant group ‘Kashmir Resistance’ claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media message where it expressed discontent at “outsiders" being settled in the region, triggering a “demographic change".

Indian security agencies say the group is a front for Pakistan-based militants.

Pakistan has denied the allegations saying it condemns the attack and has nothing to do with it.

What action are authorities taking?

Hundreds of security personnel have been rushed to the Baisaran area to search for the gunmen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that those behind the attack “will not be spared", and cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia, returning to India on Wednesday to hold a meeting with senior officials, including the national security adviser.

Home (Interior) Minister Amit Shah is in Srinagar to take stock of the situation. He visited the site of the attack on Wednesday morning and also met relatives of the victims.

Tourists reactions?

Visitors are scrambling to flee Kashmir after the attack, and airlines have organised extra flights to facilitate their travel.

Flight regulator also said there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes, and requested airlines to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees for them.

With Reuters

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