Key Details:
- Location: The attack took place in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam, a scenic meadow also known as “mini-Switzerland,” approximately 85 kilometers from Srinagar.
- Victims: Initial reports indicate that one tourist has tragically died, and at least seven to twelve others have been injured, including both tourists and locals. Some reports suggest the number of injured could be higher.
- The Attack: Unidentified gunmen, some reportedly dressed in camouflage, opened fire indiscriminately on a group of tourists enjoying a horse ride in the Baisaran area.
- Eyewitness Accounts: A survivor recounted that her husband was shot in the head by a gunman who allegedly questioned his religious identity.
- Response: Local residents and security forces swiftly responded. Injured individuals were evacuated with the help of ponies due to the difficult terrain and transported to nearby hospitals. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend the perpetrators.
- Responsibility: The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a shadow outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
- Condemnation: The attack has been widely condemned by political leaders, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who expressed shock and grief over the incident.
- Government Action: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been directed to visit the site and take necessary measures. A high-level security review meeting has also been convened.
- Security Concerns: This attack, occurring during the peak tourist season and ahead of the Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin on July 3rd, raises serious concerns about the safety of visitors in the region. Authorities have announced intensified security measures, including increased patrolling and surveillance.
This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives and the tourism industry, which is crucial to the local economy
