Indian and international communities alike were left reeling by a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed over 20 tourists’ lives on Monday evening. Armed gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam, leaving 23 dead and over 12 injured – described by officials as one of the deadliest attacks against civilians ever to have taken place there in recent times.
Eyewitness reports indicate that many of the victims were domestic tourists from various Indian states visiting Aru Valley during its spring bloom season. Eyewitness accounts claim that attackers suspected to be heavily-armed militants arrived in a van and began firing upon buses and private vehicles parked along its scenic route towards Aru Valley.
Jammu and Kashmir Police has confirmed that security forces have initiated a massive search operation to find those responsible for Tuesday’s attack in Srinagar. “We are conducting inquiries from all angles,” stated Director General of Police Rashid Qureshi at an early evening briefing, noting that no group has claimed responsibility yet for it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the killings as an act of terror and expressed his sympathy to their families while assuring them that those responsible would be brought to justice. Modi shared on social media his grief at being part of such a tragic loss to a nation.
International reactions have also begun pouring in. The United Nations issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for restraint and calm in Jammu and Kashmir; several embassies in India advised their citizens against travelling there until further notice.
Locals in Srinagar, however, were stunned to witness such violence. “Tourism is our lifeblood; any attacks against visitors who come here for enjoyment is an attack against all of us,” explained Imtiaz Lone of Srinagar Shopkeepers Association.
Tourism sector had been making progress after years of instability; however, booking cancellations by travel companies and halts by several airlines temporarily suspend flights to the region are expected to have an immediate effect.
As investigations proceed, grief and outrage increase exponentially; many questioning whether security gaps exist in an area known for longstanding tension but which strives towards peace.
Leave a Reply