In one of the bloodiest attacks on civilians in recent memory, suspected terrorists reportedly opened fire Tuesday in a well-known tourist valley in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing at least 25 people and wounding 15 more, according to government officials.
About 55 miles south of the lake city of Srinagar, in the picturesque meadow known as Baisaran Valley, which is tucked away in the Pahalgam hills, at least two shooters opened fire on visitors, according to two police officers.
Every day, thousands of Indians travel to the mountainous region of Kashmir in search of relief from the extreme heat further south, especially during the summer.
At least two of the deceased were foreigners, according to government officials, and the majority of the fatalities were Indian tourists who had traveled to the isolated valley on foot or horseback, according to police. As soon as the onslaught was over, the attackers ran away.
Although each country only controls a piece of the region, Kashmir is nevertheless one of the most militarized areas in the world. Both India and Pakistan claim the entire region.
The contested region has been the subject of multiple wars between the two nations who possess nuclear weapons.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the incident and offered condolences for the injured as he kicked off a state visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Kashmiri security officials stated that it is too soon to identify the attacker and that India’s national anti-terror agency has started its inquiry. Indian officials have frequently blamed militants with ties to Pakistan for previous strikes in the area.
Locals posted graphic video of the attack’s aftermath on social media, showing injured tourists laying in bloody puddles while their loved ones frantically called for assistance.
Helicopters were sent to carry the injured to safety because the isolated region had no road access.
Following the assault, paramilitary and army forces from India were sent to the region to begin a manhunt for the attackers. Terrorist organizations have stepped up their attacks on security troops in Kashmir’s untamed hilly and wooded areas in recent years.
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