At least two dozen people have died following an armed attack on a group of national tourists in Pahalgam, a tourist town in the Kashmir region administered by India, known for its natural beauty and nicknamed "the Switzerland of India." The massacre, described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years, has shocked the country.
The attack occurred in Baisaran, a mountainous meadow located about 5 km (3.1 miles) from Pahalgam. As the area is not accessible by vehicles, rescue teams faced difficulties reaching it.
According to the Inspector General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, Vidi Kumar Birdi, the perpetrators have not yet been identified, and no group has claimed responsibility so far. However, a military operation has been deployed to locate those responsible.
Witnesses reported that the shooting was sudden and sparked panic among the tourists. A visitor from the state of Gujarat said that everyone started running, screaming, and crying upon hearing the gunfire.
Videos shared by Indian media, not independently verified, show security forces heading to the scene, as well as bodies lying on the grass and people pleading for help. Some testimonies claim that the strikers deliberately targeted non-Muslim individuals.
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, condemned the attack and promised that those responsible will be brought to justice. Through a post on X, he assured that "India's determination to fight terrorism is unwavering." Additionally, the Home Minister, Amit Shah, will travel to Srinagar for an emergency security meeting.
El presidente indio prometió que los responsables serán llevados a la justicia
The region's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, confirmed that the army and police have been deployed in the area. Checkpoints have been established, and an intense search for the strikers has begun.
The conflict in the Kashmir region has deep roots. Since 1989, this Muslim-majority region has been the scene of a separatist insurgency that has left tens of thousands dead, including civilians, insurgents, and security forces members.
The tension between India and Pakistan over the control of Kashmir dates back to the partition of 1947, and both countries have fought two wars and several minor conflicts over the territory. India keeps about 500,000 soldiers deployed in the region.
Although violence had decreased in recent years, especially after Modi revoked Kashmir's partial autonomy in 2019, attacks continue to occur.
El vicegobernador de Kashmir confirmó el despliegue del ejército y la policía en la zona
The last major attack on civilians occurred in June 2024, when nine Hindu pilgrims died and 33 were injured when their bus fell into a ravine following an armed attack.
Other recent attacks include the grenade attack in November 2024 in Srinagar and the killing of six migrant workers and a doctor in October of the same year, claimed by the group The Resistance Front (TRF).
Kashmir has been the subject of an effort by the Indian government to promote tourism as part of its economic development strategy. In 2024, around 3.5 million tourists visited the region, according to official data.
El grupo terrorista apoyado por Pakistan, The Resistance Front, es sospechoso del ataque
The Pahalgam attack represents not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a blow to the attempts at normalization and promotion of the region as a tourist destination.
The international community and sectors within India are watching with concern the possibility that this attack marks a new escalation in the prolonged conflict over the region. Meanwhile, the pursuit of justice and the safety of citizens remain immediate priorities for Indian authorities.
The Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, is in India on a personal visit, as his wife is of Hindu origin. However, he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi to discuss economy, trade, and geopolitical relations.
El vicepresidente estadounidense se encuentra en la India y se reunirá con Modi
