At least 26 individuals have been eliminated and a lots injured in a suspected fear attack in the disputed Himalayan area of Jammu and Kashmir, authorities stated Tuesday.The attack, described by the areas primary minister Omar Abdullah as much larger than anything weve seen directed at civilians over the last few years, took place in a popular tourist location in Pahalgam, in the mountainous Anantnag district.A group of travelers were fired on by thought militants and the injured were taken to the districts primary health center for treatment, authorities stated.
Most of the 26 people eliminated are understood to be tourists.It is not yet clear whether foreign nationals are among the casualties, V K Birdi, inspector general of authorities in Kashmir, told CNN.The attack happened in the Baisaran Valley, which is just available by foot or on horseback.One eyewitness informed the Indian news agency PTI that unidentified shooters opened fire on the tourists from close range.My hubby was shot in the head while seven others were likewise hurt in the attack, one woman survivor said, according to PTI.The Indian Army corps accountable for military operations in the location stated a search operation was underway to bring the attackers to justice.Indias home minister Amit Shah got here in the region on Tuesday and chaired a top-level security conference, his office stated.
The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir announced that all private schools would stay shut Wednesday.A restive regionThe picturesque Himalayan area, which is administered in part by India and Pakistan, is often affected by violence however tourist-targeted attacks are rare.For more than 2 decades, a number of domestic militant groups, demanding either self-reliance for Kashmir or for the area to become part of Pakistan, have combated Indian security forces, with tens of thousands of individuals eliminated in the violence.Violence rose in 2018, and the Indian federal government took greater control of the region in 2019 amidst a heavy military existence and a monthslong communications blackout.While the Indian federal government has said that militancy has considering that been lowered, attacks continue to pester the region.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and sent his condolences to those who had actually been impacted in a declaration published to X.Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never be successful.
Our willpower to combat terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger, he said.US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance who is checking out India with his family likewise condemned the attack, with Trump calling it deeply disturbing and revealing United States uniformity with India against terrorism.We wish the souls of those lost, and for the healing of the injured.
Prime Minister Modi, and the amazing people of India, have our full assistance and deepest compassions.
Our hearts are with you all, the president published to Truth Social.Trump later on called Modi to communicate his condolences, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.Vance published to X: Over the past few days, we have been gotten rid of with the charm of this country and its individuals.
Our ideas and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.The attack likewise drew condemnation and condolences from nations including Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, France, Italy and the UAE.On Tuesday, a regional representative from India's judgment Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Pakistan of sustaining terrorism in the area and called the attack a result of Pakistans frustration.Pakistan and its proxies are not able to absorb the return of peace and tourist in Jammu and Kashmir.
They want to stifle growth and plunge the area back into fear.
We wont allow that to take place, Altaf Thakur said.Pakistans defense minister Khawaja Asif denied any link to the attack.We have absolutely nothing to do with this, and we do not support terrorism anywhere, he stated in a Television interview with a Pakistani news outlet.Pahalgam lies on a major pilgrimage route, known as the Amarnath Yatra, which takes location every year and has been exposed to previous attacks.Thousands of tourists flock to Kashmir throughout its peak season each year, which runs from March to August.The last significant traveler attack in the area took place in June, when at least 9 people were eliminated and 33 others were injured after a bus bring Hindu pilgrims plunged into a canyon after believed militants fired on the vehicle.Source: CNN-- Agencies