At least 24 people were killed on Tuesday in a deadly shooting in Indian-administered Kashmir, marking one of the worst civilian attacks in the region in recent years. Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in the picturesque town of Pahalgam, a popular summer retreat located about 90 kilometers from Srinagar.
According to a senior police official who spoke anonymously to AFP, the assailants emerged from nearby forests and began indiscriminately shooting, sparing women and targeting men in what witnesses described as a terrifying ambush. Chaos erupted as tourists fled in panic, some injured being carried to safety on horseback.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “heinous act,” vowing that those responsible would face justice. “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” Modi stated, emphasizing India’s commitment to protecting civilians and promoting peace in the volatile region.
The attack, which took place in an area heavily promoted as a tourist haven, has shocked the nation. Kashmir had seen a recent surge in domestic tourism, with over 3.5 million visitors in 2024 alone. Authorities had showcased the region’s return to “normalcy” following the revocation of its limited autonomy in 2019.
No group has claimed responsibility for the massacre. However, Kashmir has been embroiled in an insurgency since 1989, led by groups demanding independence or merger with Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of supporting these militant factions, a charge Islamabad denies.
International condemnation poured in following the tragedy. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed solidarity with India, while U.S. and European diplomats also conveyed condolences. Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the killings “heartbreaking,” urging unity in the face of terror.
India’s Interior Minister Amit Shah visited Kashmir shortly after the attack, pledging swift action. “The perpetrators will not be spared,” he affirmed.
This attack brings back painful memories of the 2019 Pulwama bombing and the 2000 Chattisinghpora massacre. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the fragile security situation in Kashmir and the ongoing challenges in safeguarding civilian lives in one of the world’s most contested regions.
